June 25, 1925 - February 11, 2021

Clara B. Gaines, 95, former resident of Winston-Salem for 73 years, died in Lincolnwood, IL on February 11, 2021. She was preceded in death by her husband of 55 years, Clarence 'Big House' Gaines; parents, Rev. Isaac and Emma Berry; sibling, Lennie Berry Williams (John W.); son-in-law, Raymond McDonald; nephews, Langston and Garrett Williams; and dear friend, Virginia Wiseman. She leaves her children to cherish her legacy and memory, Lisa Gaines McDonald and Clarence Edward Gaines (Cheryl); grandchildren, Loran and Ryan McDonald, Olivia and Garrett Gaines; god children, Caroline Lattimore and Kevin Wallace. Clara taught Latin and English at Atkins High School and later became a guidance counselor prior to retiring from East Forsyth. She was active in Phi Omega Chapter of AKA, Links Inc., St. Paul United Methodist Church and an honorary member Reynalda Rotary. She also volunteered at SECCA, Meals-On-Wheels and was a NC Museum of History Associate. Viewing for Clara Berry Gaines will be from 1pm until 5pm, Friday, 2.19.21 at Russell Funeral Home; you can view the private service at 11:00am Saturday, 2.20.21 on the Russell Funeral Home Facebook Page. In lieu of flowers, the family requests donations be made to the Clarence E. Gaines, Sr. Endowment Fund at Winston-Salem State University or to Forsyth Senior Services Meals-on-Wheels. Online condolences can be made at www.russellfuneralservice.com (RUSSELL).

Article in WS Journal a couple days after Mrs. Gaines' death:

https://journalnow.com/sports/college/wssu/clara-gaines-the-widow-of-big-house-gaines-has-died-at-the-age-of-95/article_d87814f6-6d3a-11eb-b7dd-1b80839b8317.html?fbclid=IwAR1uzCcHj0cqTviW53oC-Sciy2XQjDvASizsJG8uycLA4WpelgZ49HM5AQ4