Obituary
Brother John Lewis Gainer, 76, went to be with Jesus, December 13,
2024 in Brandon, Florida. Born in Louisville, MS and raised in Noxapater, MS he
was the son of John Ellis Gainer and Osie Haze Gainer.
Reverend Gainer was called to preach God’s word at 17 years of age
and served faithfully for 56 years. He retired from Friendship Baptist Church
in Columbus, MS in 2020 after 17 years, and moved to Brandon, FL. In addition
to pastoring several East Mississippi churches, Brother Gainer was a
public-school educator for over 23 years teaching high school English at both
Maben and Hamilton Schools where his students called him “Pop” Gainer. He was a
wonderful father figure to many. Brother Gainer was a Mississippi State
University alum and is a member of New Hope Church in Brandon, FL..
Brother Gainer was pre-deceased by his parents, as well as
brother, Don Ellis Gainer, sister, Kanda “Candy” Gainer Blount, and former wife
of 34 years, Linda Monette Ingram Gainer.
Brother Gainer is survived by his wife of 19 years, Dr.
Donna Carol Gainer of Brandon, FL, daughter Melissa Holekamp (Greg), and
grandchild Toby Holekamp all of Decatur, MS. In addition, he leaves two
treasured nieces, Amber Gainer (Noxapater) and Casey Blount Williamson
(Terrance) of Conehatta, MS. Also, two grand-nephews Aydon Gainer and Degand
Williamson.
Celebration of Life Service will be at New Hope Church, Brandon,
FL, on Monday, December 16th at 4pm.
Service dates and time in Starkville, MS will be announced soon.
Please check back for updates. Service will be at Welch Funeral Home,
Starkville, MS with interment following at Center Grove Baptist Church, Maben.
In lieu of flowers, you may send a donation in memory of
John Gainer to New Hope Church Family Ministries, 213 N Knights Ave, Brandon,
FL 33510.