From Pam...
Family Tributes
On angels’ wings you were taken away. But in my heart you will always stay. I will hear your whisper in the tallest trees! I’ll feel your love in the gentle breeze! And when I find I miss you the most, Inside our beautiful memories I will hold you close. You are an angel watching over me With the comfort and blessings you bring, You embrace my heart and hold it close Forever on angels’ wings!
From Dana...
If I wanted a good meal, I could call you. If I needed a good laugh, I could count on you. If I needed a word from the Lord, I could look to you to supply it. I thank you for just being you! By some standards, you might not have had much, but you were so rich with love, kindness, and generosity. You always reminded me to stay anchored in the Lord. As the songwriter said, “If the storms don’t cease and if the wind keeps on blowing in my life, my soul has been anchored in the Lord!”
From Camille...
In God’s timing, He knows what He wants for His children. He brings souls together for bonding and in that bonding comes lasting memories. In those memories are times of laughing, crying, praying, and rejoicing over the many experiences. Ms. Rainey, when we first met, we clicked instantly. You were my Sunday School teacher, my get into trouble partner at Youth Encampment, my sporadic personal chef, and the chef to cook for me at church when I needed you to. You stated several times before that you wanted the Lord to bless you to see a certain age, then you would be ready to leave this earth. I don’t know if you were ready or not, but the Lord was ready and waiting for you. When He called your name, you answered. He knew of the rare jewel He’d receive. I am so very thankful that He allowed us to meet many years ago and have shared many experiences together. As the saying goes, we love you but God loves you best.
From Sheila...
I just want to say thank you for sharing your love with me. Thank you for being my shoulder when I needed it. Thank you for wiping my tears. Thank you for bringing me back into the fold. You will forever remain in my heart. I love you forever...
From Maria...
Elegant Eleanor Jean Rainey…I believe that’s what God said when He called your name. You gracefully bowed out silently…one, because you knew how your children would act. I can hear you now saying, “You li’l sissy punk! Stop all that crying! You just won’t act right for nothing!” I am so thankful that God placed you in my life as my other mom, my friend, as Kayla’s “Big Gramp” and my “Big Boo”! Thank you for keeping my secrets, all the fun times, talks and laughs, the way we shared our fashions and though we were the same cute, but most of all thank you for praying for me and loving me. You will always be in my heart. Wear your crown well in Heaven. Love Your Other Child, “Li’l Boo”
Life Reflections
Eleanor Jean Rainey entered this world on October 7, 1943, born to Rev. James and Louise Rainey. The second oldest of six siblings, she was a natural leader of the bunch. Known as Sister Rainey, Eleanor was affectionately called “T-Gramps”, “Big-Gramps”, “Big Boo”, and so many other pet names by those close to her. A graduate of Douglass High School, she briefly studied Business at Tennessee State University. Eleanor received Christ as her personal savior at an early age at Trinity Baptist Church. She later united with Columbus Missionary Baptist Church under the leadership of Dr. A. E. Campbell, where she served as a Youth Advisor, a member of the choir, and was even a Den Mother for The Boy Scouts of America. Eleanor united with Early Grove Baptist Church in the early 90’s, under the leadership of Dr. Herman A. Powell. She would loan her voice for the glory of the Lord, singing her favorite song, “Oh Give Thanks”, until the power of the Lord would fill the sanctuary. When she was not singing, she served in every way she could, such as the Feeding Ministry, was a dedicated Sunday School teacher, in the Senior Missionary Society, Senior Usher Board, Youth Advisor, drove the church bus, on the Parish Concerns Committee and the Kitchen Ministry. She was an instructor for Vacation Bible School and Baptist Training Union. Eleanor also organized Early Grove’s “Angels Choir”. She had a love for the youth and loved working with them. She later united with New Salem Missionary Baptist Church under the leadership of Rev. Frank E. Ray, Sr. While there, she worked as the Executive Assistant to the Chief of Staff and General Counsel for New Salem until her retirement in June 2018. Eleanor served as the President for the City-Wide Missionary Department for two years. If you had never experienced this powerful woman speak, you missed something special! She also sang with T. B. M. E Choir. Because of her love for music, she joined Charles Cartwright &The Divine Messenger Chorale. She retired from St. Joseph Hospital and Lebonheur Children’s Hospital where she worked for many years in Medical Records. Eleanor volunteered as a secretary for two years at Ida B. Wells Academy. Diagnosed with breast cancer in 2000, she beat it and was a survivor for 21 years! Known for her love for cooking, Eleanor created E. T. S. & D. Catering Service around 1996 and she provided catering services for various events for many years. Her youngest daughter, Dorcas, created Dishing with Dorcas, LLC to continue the family legacy and they worked together closely right until her untimely passing. Eleanor had a heart of gold and would lend her support to anyone in need of help. Eleanor was preceded in death by an infant son and daughter Sidney’s twin; two brothers: Don J. Rainey, Sr. and James Rainey, Jr.; two sisters: Arnetta Dawson and Lilye K. Rainey. She leaves behind her beloved three daughters, Tisha, Sidney, and Dorcas and her future son-in-law, Rahmeir; one sibling, Barry J. Rainey of Washington, D. C., a host of nieces, great-nieces, nephews, great-nephews, cousins, bonus children, life-long best friends, and multiple church families. “If I can help somebody as I pass along, if I can cheer somebody with a word or song. If I can show somebody that he’s traveling wrong, then my living shall not be in vain”. (Alma Bazel Androzzo, 1945)
Order of Service
Processional . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . The Family of Eleanor Jean Rainey “Oh Give Thanks” Musical Selection . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . New Salem Choir The Holy Writ: Old Testament . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .Minister Marcus Maxwell-Ross New Testament . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Minister Calvin Winston Prayer . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .Minister Isaac Malone Musical Tribute . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .Psalmist Tabitha Adams
Remembering Eleanor
(three minute expressions) As A Mother ~ Tisha Rainey & Dorcas Rainey As a Friend ~ Valerie Briggs As a Missionary ~ Denice Cavett President of City-Wide #2 Musical Selection . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . New Salem Choir Words of Comfort . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Dr. Terence Taylor Mt. Joyner Baptist Church Special Tribute . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Rev. Dr. Reginald Sharpe, Jr. Fellowship Baptist Church (Chicago, IL) Acknowledgments & Resolutions . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .Attorney Rhonda Hooks Musical Tribute . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .Professor Reginald Gaston The Eulogy . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .Dr. Frank Ray, Sr. Recessional . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . The Family of Eleanor Jean Rainey “He’ll Welcome Me” ~ Remains will not be reviewed following the Eulogy. ~
Acknowledgment
To you who were so thoughtful in helping here and there. To you, who looked to Heaven and whispered a silent prayer. To you, who held our trembling hands and stayed to the very last; To you, who cooked and served, to you who answered the phone and talked to those who called. To you, who wept with us and sent a flower, to you who whispered in our ear, Someday again, you’ll meet. To you, dear friends, to each of you, we only have words of praise. To you, may God be mighty good, now and thoughtout your remaining days. Thank you very much. ~ The Family of Eleanor Jean Rainey ~
Glenn Alexander Rapheal Gaston
Active Pallbearers
Don Rainey, Jr. Mario Ross
Christopher Cleaves Ricky Franklin
Gerald Rainey Kenny Taylor
Honorary Pallbearers City-wide #2 Missionary Society
Interment
Pleasant Rest Memorial Gardens 6235 Raleigh Millington Road s Millington, Tennessee 38053
Arrangements Entrusted To N. H. Owens & Sons Funeral Home 421 Scott Street s Memphis, Tennessee 38112 (901) 324-2116
Program Design by Precious Memories Graphics & More, (901) 257-9124.