[Congressional Record Volume 164, Number 194 (Monday, December 10, 2018)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E1627]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]





         HONORING THE LIFE AND LEGACY OF MRS. GEORGIA M. GAINES

                                 ______
                                 

                        HON. CEDRIC L. RICHMOND

                              of louisiana

                    in the house of representatives

                       Monday, December 10, 2018

  Mr. RICHMOND. Mr. Speaker, I rise to honor the life and legacy of 
Mrs. Georgia M. Gaines, a native of Lutcher, Louisiana and retired 
school teacher. Mrs. Gaines passed away Thursday, November 29, 2018 at 
the age of 96.
  Mrs. Gaines was born in 1922. Her parents were the late Mr. George 
Chriswell, an entrepreneur and insurance agent, and Mrs. Alma Berry 
Chriswell, an elementary school principal and education pioneer. She 
attended McDonald #35 High School in New Orleans, Louisiana because 
there were no local high schools in St. James Parish for African-
Americans.
  In 1944, Mrs. Gaines earned a Bachelor of Science Degree in Home 
Economics from Southern University and A&M College in Baton Rouge, 
Louisiana. While a student at Southern University, she was a proud 
member of the Zeta Phi Beta Sorority, Incorporated and a student 
assistant to the wife of Southern University President Dr. Felton G. 
Clark.
  Upon graduation, Mrs. Gaines taught in the Lake Charles public 
schools. She later returned to St. James Parish and began teaching 
locally. In 1949, she married Mr. Leroy Gaines, a Texas transplant to 
the Lutcher area.
  After thirty years of teaching at St. James High School, Mrs. Gaines 
retired from the St. James Parish School System. She also worked for 
the State of Louisiana as an Assistant Director of the Lutcher Day Care 
Center.
  Mrs. Gaines was an individual of vision, integrity, pride in family 
and an endearing asset to her community. Her legacy will forever be a 
part of the city and her dedication to community embodies the spirit of 
Louisiana. We cannot match the sacrifices made by Mrs. Gaines, but 
surely, we can try to match her sense of service. We cannot match her 
courage, but we can strive to match her devotion.
  Mrs. Gaines's survivors include daughters: Debora Gaines, Karen 
Gaines and Wanda (Danny) Manuel. Sons: Randal Gaines, Darrel (Tilda) 
Gaines and Daren (Vanessa) Gaines. Ten grandchildren, seven great-
grandchildren, numerous nieces, nephews, cousins, including Edna Berry 
Anderson, and other relatives and friends, including Martha Ray Branch. 
She was preceded in death by her parents, George Chriswell and Alma 
Berry Chriswell, her husband, Leroy Gaines, and her granddaughter, 
Tene' Lemar.
  Mr. Speaker, I celebrate the life and legacy of Mrs. Georgia M. 
Gaines.

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