Alma Gaines

Alma’s Candle

The Candle, known as Alma Beatrice Greene, was lit on March 4th, 1929, in Monticello, Florida. Alma was the 2nd of seven children born to Charlie Green and Adaline Williams of Titusville, Florida. She always said that growing up in Titusville was fun because she had plenty of friends, and her father’s house always had plenty of food. Titusville is where she met and married the late Alfred William Gaines, an airman who was stationed at Patrick Air Force Base.

As an Air Force wife, Alma lived in exotic places such as Japan and Germany, as well as several stateside locations, including New York, Alabama, and California. While in California, Alma continued her education, ultimately graduating from Merced College, in Merced, CA., with an Associate Degree in Accounting.

Alma left California and moved to New Jersey where she started her very first job. Alma was the Director of Payroll Services over “55 Plus”, a State of New Jersey program designed for senior citizens who were returning to work. She was 49 years of age. Alma worked with the State of New Jersey 34 years before she retired. In her retirement years, Alma was an avid reader of Romance Novels, enjoyed puzzles, watching television, Bingo, family gatherings, especially game nights, and going to the Casino.

The Candle, known as Alma Beatrice Gaines, lost her light on December 14th, 2022. During the glow of her flame, she lit four candles of her own: Alfred, Mary, Delores, and Alfredia. Alma’s most memorable statement was made just before her flame went out. “I am happy to be happy. I have had a wonderful life, what more could I ask for”.

Alma is survived by her four flames: Alfred Greene; Mary Brown and her husband, Stanley; Delores Davis and her husband, Keith; and Alfredia Rice and her husband Rodney; her two Siblings, Joyce Holland, and Richard Green; ten Grandchildren: Zandy, Tasha, Marion Jr., Adrian, Veronique, Shacora, Rodney, Jr., Darius, Quenton, and DeVon; and a host of Great-Grandchildren and one Great-Great Granddaughter.

Thank You

Acknowledgement

We, the family of Alma B. Gaines, would like to thank you for your acts of kindness, warm thoughts, and most of all, your earnest prayers. We are truly grateful and touched by your expressions of love. May God continue to Bless you all.