Obituary of Dionne Gaines

Dionne Elaine Gaines was born on January 11, 1971 in Mercy Hospital, Rockville Centre, NY., the oldest child of Larry Gaines and Diane Nero Gaines. The family relocated to Long Beach California, where Dionne spent part of her younger years. In 1983, her family moved back to New York where she attended school and graduated from North Babylon High School on Long Island.  She continued her education at John Jay College of Criminal Justice where she earned her Bachelor of Science Degree in Forensic Psychology.   Dionne chose a career in the Behavioral Health field.  During her employment history, Dionne worked diligently helping mentally challenged individuals, an underserved population. Throughout her career Dionne was a champion for the clients that she served. Her last position was as a Senior Mental Health Court Coordinator with Central Nassau Guidance Counseling Service.  Dionne spent 14 years in the Nassau County Mental Health Court working with the Honorable Andrea Phoenix with whom she had a close mutually supportive relationship. She worked with countless families helping  improve their lives.  Dionne was valued by both her clients and co-workers who she loved working with until the end.

Dionne was Baptized at an early age. While living in California, she attended First Lutheran School where she studied and learned the bible.  Dionne was a member at Shaw Temple A.M.E Zion Church in Amityville, where she accepted Jesus Christ as her Lord and Savior.  Dionne was the lead singer of the Inspirational Choir at Shaw Temple.  She always enjoyed praising God through singing and listening to Gospel music.

Dionne was a loving and devoted mother to her two sons; Raymel, 25 yrs. old and Rami 20 yrs. old. She was the epitome of a basketball/football Mom. Rami’s coaches knew that she would be at every game cheering not only Rami but the whole team to victory. On several occasions the referees would have ejected her from the game if they could have.

Raymel’s singing was a sweet sound in her ears, she loved to hear him sing.  On many occasions she would encourage him to sing at family birthday parties, church functions and other gatherings.  Dionne was happy and proud of Raymel’s adventurous spirit that had him traveling across the country and abroad.  She truly enjoyed video calling with him on his most recent stay in London.

Dionne was an amazing daughter, her acts of love were endless.  She would always show up whenever she thought there was something that needed to be done.  She was intuitive to her mother’s desires and needs. Dionne was a natural Caregiver.  She was the eldest by only 11 months, but she helped take care of and guide her younger siblings from the very beginning.  As she grew up she took on the role of “Mother Hen” within her large family and always supported and counseled her relatives in need.  Dionne was an amazing Aunt that took an active role in the lives of her Nieces, Nephews, Godchildren and any child in need. 

Dionne had a beautiful, full smile to go along with her beautiful spirit.  She was so loved and cherished.  Her passing has left a huge hole in many lives, but remembering her strength and courage inspires her loved ones to continue on in her honor.

On October 14, 2021, Dionne gained her well-deserved wings and flew back into the arms of our Heavenly Father.  She was preceded in death by her father, Larry Gaines who was there to embrace her at Heaven’s doors.

Dionne is survived by her sons, Raymel and Rami, her significant other, Deric Green, her mother, Diane Nero Gaines, her siblings Niccole Gaines Liverman (James), Richina Milledge (Jamel), Lance Gaines (Tiffany) and Jazzmene Gaines (Laurence).  Her Nieces and Nephews; 

Jamel Jr., Changa, Jahmel, Jamilah, Jalyke, Chyane, Jayla, Jalylen, Jelani, Lexington, Anthony and Aliyah.  Her Godchildren, Lashelle, Sienna and Kalila. as well as an abundant family of Aunts, Uncles, Cousins and Loved ones and friends left to cherish her memory.