Born to The Reverend M. Benjamin and Minnie Willow Hill Gaines on November 30, 1922 in Lynn, MA. She attended Shaw University in Raleigh, North Carolina where she received a Bachelor of Arts Degree. After graduation, Micki attended Rutgers University in New Jersey obtaining a Masters degree in Social Work; making a complete circle she then served as Dean of Students at Shaw University in 1964. A member of AKA (Alpha Kappa Alpha) Sorority; was named Social Worker of the Year by Altrusa International and a myriad of awards and accolades in her lifetime.
While at Shaw University she met and married the Rev. Dr. Leon C. Riddick. Born to this union, Daughter Cheryl Lynn Riddick Cross and brought into the family was Daughter, Gloria Kershaw.
Later the Rev. Dr. and Mrs. Riddick moved to Charlotte, North Carolina where he pastored at Mt. Carmel Baptist Church.
While in Charlotte Mrs. Riddick served at Charlotte Area Fund; developed an organized group named Domestic United, fighting for and obtaining equal pay for domestic help. She became the first African American Executive Director of the Park Road YWCA in Charlotte, NC. She was offered and accepted a national position in the YWCA in New York, New York traveling around the world preventing developmental issues. An Oak Bluffs, Massachusetts resident since 1950, her pink and green house was a regular stop for visiting Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority sisters when they visited the Vineyard.
After retiring she returned to Charlotte, NC where she opened a photography business named GLORY B. CREATIVE WORKSHOP.
Upon the death of her husband, she started life over again in Fleming Island, FL.
A member of First Baptist Church, Green Cove Springs, FL. and an honorary member of True Life Church, Middleburg, FL.
Preceded in death by her Parents: Rev. M. Benjamin and Minnie Willow Hill Gaines. Beloved Husband of 60 years the Rev. Dr. Leon C. Riddick. Daughter Gloria Kershaw Smith. Grandson Oscar "Chipper" Smith. Siblings: Larry Gaines, Monte D. Gaines, Ben Gaines, Linda Gaines Jackson and Winifred Hope Gaines.
Survived by Daughter Cheryl Riddick Cross and Son-in-Law Lawrence Cross. Grandchildren: Robin D. Smith, Elynn M. Holman, Robert "Cory" Spencer and Naria L. Cross. Great-Grandchildren: Sara Swinson, Zachary Swinson, Michael Holman, Starr Jordan, Miles Jordan, Sasha Spencer, Jacob Spencer, Alexander Barnhart, Thomas Cross, Rayden Fountain, Raymond Fountain and Raymanda Fountain.
A memorial service will be held Wednesday, November 30, 2022 at 11:00 AM at True Life Church, 2221 County Road 220, Middleburg, FL 32068.
Fond memories and expressions of sympathy may be shared at www.hollyhillfunerals.com for the Riddick family.
