Annie Gaines was born to the union of Ruby Irene and Ben Ed Braxton, on June 24, 1934, in Noel, Virginia (Hanover County).  Annie remained the last surviving member of her siblings in this union.

Annie became a Matriarch of her family; she had a soft, subtle personality, was fiercely independent, and would share her opinions, life testaments, wisdom, and encouraging words with everyone. Annie grew up in a large family and loved each of her siblings for the individual personalities they possessed.  Her nieces, nephews, and cousins were equally significant to her, for she spoke of them often. Special friends she met throughout the various chapters of her life remained in her heart and thoughts, especially co-workers and those in the Maryland and Cleveland Heights congregations.

Annie attended John M. Gandy High School and although she did not graduate, she well depicted the knowledge of achieving “scholarship” in life by working hard, loving her family, sacrificing, unselfish giving, and pursuing her servitude to Jehovah. Her life struggles encompassed numerous avenues of survival occupations; in her effort to take raise and educate her children, no honest form of employment was beneath her.  She was a domestic housekeeper (scrubbing on her hands and knees to get every speck of dirt), worked at Holly Farms (chicken production factory), Ashland Laundry & Drycleaners, and her last employment as Chef at the Officer’s Club on Andrew’s Air Force Base, in Suitland, Md.

Annie’s skill in the kitchen, be it on the job or at home, was amazing.  She made the best mouth-watering rolls from scratch, cakes, pies, cobblers, macaroni & cheese, and much more. Annie could make navy beans savory and hot dogs and pork & beans, a feast.  When eating her food, there was no doubt, that her mom had indeed, taught her well to become the chef she was.  Clear to the numerous people that she met in each of these venues, Annie was lauded as a woman of faith, strength, steadfastness, honesty, integrity, and depicting utmost love and devotion to her family and complete surrender to the will of Jehovah.

Annie loved sports and had an adventurous spirit, but in her later years chose not to travel too far from home.  She so enjoyed going out with her daughter Margaret, no matter where the destination was, but would often joke, “as long as I get home before dark.”   She so enjoyed her “chats” with Ashley, Ceyonie, and Lincoln as their generational bond grew in respect, admiration, and love. Her grandson Darius, who lived with her, was so gentle and responsive to her call to fix the television channel, help set up the computer, or prepare her meals.  Her joy of family increased greatly with getting to know her grandchildren and great-grandchildren. They indeed were the loves of her life, and she had no problem in letting everyone know how proud, how much love, passion, and concern she had for each of them.

Modeling her mother Irene, Annie took special care of her appearance whenever she stepped out of her door. She would make sure her lipstick was properly applied, adorn beautiful attire, and exhibit a confident, humble persona as that of a true “lady.”  When confined to the home and the Zoom link, little did the brothers and sisters know that Annie still wore her stockings and shoes as if she was walking into the Kingdom Hall.  Annie believed one must always present their best to Jehovah. Her new baptism in 2010, after studying with Nell Spears, was one of her greatest and proudest achievements!! Just to mention the talks, friends, and lessons taught and learned made Annie beam in delight. Her heart soared when she learned that her great nephew, Jerry (Man) Braxton reactivated his service to Jehovah.  Her scripture readings were daily; even on the morning of her demise, her scripture text lay open on the table.

Annie endured a challenging life, but she fought hard, to be a loving mother, compassionate friend, upstanding role model, and faithful servant, right up until Jehovah gently whispered, “It’s time to rest.”  Saying goodbye to Annie was never meant to be this way, so soon and so unexpected, but here we are-and for her, we will go on.  We will hold steadfastly to the belief that Jehovah loved her unconditionally and we will see her again.

She was preceded in death by her siblings, William, Ben, Herbert, Huel, Richard, James, Earl, Kelvin, Anthony, Nannie, Olivia, and Jeanette; children; Joyce Ann Gaines, Melvin Lee Gaines, and most recently, Linda Mae (Gaines)Jones; mother, Irene R. Ellis; father, Ben Ed Braxton; and stepfather, Charles Ellis.

Annie leaves to cherish and celebrate her legacy, her beloved daughter, Margaret L. Robinson; cherished grandchildren, Keyata Robinson (Mike),  Ashley Moyo (Christian), Melvin Jones, and Latia Jones (Rodney); loving great-grandchildren, Darius Robinson, Ceyonie Phillips, Kaori Robinson-Dennis, Lincoln Reese, MaKaylah Brown, and Andre Jones; sisters and brothers, Rita Braxton, Delores Bertrand, Lenora Shelton, Bertha Slade, Phyliss Ellis, Susie Mimms, Calvin Cotton, and Peter Mills; sisters-in-law, Edith Sherman, Laura Gaines, and Earlene Braxton; numerous nieces, nephews, and cousins; faithful friends, Nell Spears, Jackie Jacks, Mary Bowman, Brenda Thaxton, Helen Chappell, Mary Rice, Ruby Brooks, Kevin Oliver, and Ladorcia Oliver;  all of her Brothers and Sisters from her beloved Cleveland Heights Congregation of Jehovah’s Witnesses; as well as a host of other friends that have had the honor of meeting and knowing her throughout the various chapters of her life.