Doloris Cotton-Gaines

Doloris Cotton-Gaines,68, was called home by the Lord at 1:13 a.m. on Saturday, April 13, 2019, at St. Johns Hospital. She was preceded in death by her grandmother, Alberta McGee; father, John Thomas Crouch; mother, Beatrice McDowan Cotton; uncle and aunt, Willie & Mary Hudson; and son, Terry Eugene Gaines (Cotton). Doloris was born on Tuesday, December 26, 1950, in the historic town of Cairo, Illinois. She was an only child and was adored with love and affection given by her mother, "Ms. Bea" (Beatrice). She loved riding with her uncle Willie and eating fresh bologna and drinking soda. She also enjoyed the loving attention given by her aunt Mary and grandfather as well. Doloris spent her early years living in the "Country" on the family farm. She enjoyed the perks of being a "country kid," eating delicious authentic southern cooking, and playing with the animals and other children on the farm. Her family eventually moved centrally into the city of Cairo, IL. In Cairo, thrived a very closely-knit Black community. Schools were segregated and classes were taught by an elite group of educators that instilled pride, discipline, and love for one another. Respect and responsibility were also stressed, as well as a common communal love and devotion for each and every black child to excel. This foundation was solidified and carried out by local educators, clergy, and people within the community themselves. These core values were important to Doloris, and she taught, developed, and nurtured those within her own children. Doloris attend elementary school and Sumner High School in Cairo. The town became an important center in the Civil Rights Movement. The NAACP, The Cairo Nonviolent Freedom Committee (CNFC), and The United Front were present in conjunction with local residents to protest the injustices, violence, racism, discrimination, and segregation that plagued the community and the United States as a whole. Racial tensions between Blacks and Whites resulted in The Cairo Riot of 1967. The riot began in July and persisted along with protests for several days. Doloris had developed a very strong spirit in defense of justice and equal rights for everyone. She commonly spoke of wanting to go out and protest with other members of the community, but was not allowed due to the dangers involved. This "fighting spirit" and desire to assist and help others was something that she passed down to her own children. Eventually, violence led to the end of segregation in public places and desegregated the schools. Doloris and her classmates were transferred to Cairo High School and she graduated in 1969. Doloriss spirit to help others led her into the field of nursing. She attended school and became a Licensed Practical Nurse and worked at St. Marys Hospital. In 1976, she relocated to Springfield, Illinois and began work at Memorial Hospital and Springfield Clinic. Doloriss experiences ranged from Obstetrics, Pediatrics, Emergency Medicine, Oncology, Internal Medicine, and Nephrology. She also worked as a Nurse Supervisor on weekends at a local Nursing Care Facility. Doloris worked as an LPN for more than 22 years. It was while at Springfield Clinic that Doloris would meet the love of her life, Dr. Sam Gaines, in 1978, during his residency. Sam was intrigued by Doloriss beauty, intelligence, along with her "witty" responses and "tell it like it is" mentality. He repeatedly tried to get a date due to stories he heard regarding her superb cooking skills. His persistence finally paid off and she accepted. They began dating in 1979 and eventually married on June 14, 1980. They would remain in love and inseparable for 39 years. They together had six beautiful children; two dogs, (Mr. Ted Bear III and Ms. Lady Koko); and several cats, (Smokey, Chivas, Ceasar, Snowball, Lucky, and Figaro). Doloris continued her education and obtained two degrees in Science and Biology, as well as becoming a Registered Nurse after graduating from Lincoln Land College of Nursing in 1993. She continued working at the Illinois Department of Human Services/Office of Rehabilitation Services for over ten years before retiring. Doloris was a child of God and accepted Christ at an early age. She remained involved in various Church Auxiliaries, Sunday School, Ushering, Church Women United, and held the position of Superintendent of Sunday Schools. She loved attending Church regularly with her family and exemplified the Spirit of God by her walk daily. She was graceful, friendly, loving, kind, and caring with everyone and held a special love for the elderly and less fortunate. She held membership in the former Sangamon County Medical Society Alliance and various other organizations. Doloriss greatest role was that of "mother." She loved her children with all of her heart and soul. She devoted her life to that of her husband and family. She spoke very proudly of her children and the accomplishments of her husband. She taught the importance of loyalty, honor, devotion, responsibility, and holding true to ones word. She gained the title of being "Mama Gaines" to many other children and adults who held her advice, opinion, and guidance to heart. She taught her own children and others the importance of self-love and love for God above all. Her smile, laugh, and memorable "eye rolls" will be unforgettable. She will be loved and missed by so many. God truly created a special angel in the making of Doloris Cotton-Gaines. Doloris is survived by her devoted and loving husband, Dr. Sam Gaines; children, Roberta L. Gaines of Springfield, IL, Michael (Shalanda) Gaines of Chatham, IL, Eulette M. Gaines of Stone Mountain, GA, Samuel T. Gaines of Chicago, IL, and Samantha B.V. Gaines of Springfield, IL; and grandchildren, Briana M. Gaines, Darius L. Ousley, Jalynn White, Alexa Carey, Amir Upshaw, and Mychael Gaines. Family will receive friends from 5:00 until 8:00 p.m. on Thursday, April 25, 2019, at Butler Funeral HomeSpringfield, 900 South 6th Street, Springfield, IL. A Celebration of Life Ceremony will be held on Friday, April 26, 2019, at Union Baptist Church, 1405 E. Monroe Street, Springfield, IL. Services will begin at 11:00 a.m. with visitation from 10:00-10:45 a.m. Pastor Roy Newman, of Fresh Visions Community Church, will deliver the eulogy and T. Ray McJunkins, Senior Pastor of Union Baptist Church, will preside. Burial will be held at 2:00 p.m. on Friday, April 26, 2019, at Camp Butler National Cemetery. Memorial contributions may be made to the American Diabetes Foundation, 2501 Chatham Rd., Suite 210, Springfield, IL 62704 or Childrens Miracle Network, 800 E. Carpenter, Springfield, IL 62769. Please visit butlerfuneralhomes.com to offer your condolences.