It all began in Anaheim, California, when a baby girl was born on February 21, 1953 to RueDoris Gaines and Samuel singleton.   She was named Cassandra Jean.

At the tender age of 14, she moved to Muskogee, Oklahoma.  Cassandra attended Muskogee Public Schools and graduated with the first integrated Class of Muskogee High School in 1971.

She spent the early part of her life working at Muskogee Iron Works, before transitioning into her position as the Civic Center Manager and later, into the Cultural and Diversity Liaison  position for the City of Muskogee.  During her tenure there, she pioneered and promoted a long list of activities that brought attention to the City of Muskogee.

Miss Gaines loved her city and endeavored to make the city she called home a better place.  The accolades reflecting a portion of her life include;

Creator of "Momma C's Soul Food in a Jar"
Member of Oklahoma Arts Council
Author of Momma C's Soul Food Cookbook
Featured in the Wall Street Journal
Featured in the New York Times, Essence Magazine
Black Meetings and Tourism Magazine
55+ Magazine
Implemented the All Black Town Tours of Oklahoma

Those who knew Cassandra know that her greates love was for her daughter, Aanje Gaines-Wilkerson and her grand-daughter, Dominique Embry.  The three of them traveled together, prayed together and supported one another in everything.

Cassandra was a woman to tell you how she felt about anything;  even if not asked, but she loved you through all things.  She was a mentor, supporter, promoter and 2nd mother to many she came in contact with.

She had a solid and personal relationship with her Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ.  She was a devoted member of Muskogee's Praise Center Family Church.

Her Awards and Community Involvement reflects her commitment to Muskogee;
2002 Oklahoma Heritage Distinguished Service, Pioneer in Tourism, Inductee into the Oklahoma Jazz Hall of Fame, High Tea with High Heels Award Recipient, Honored as one of the States Top 20 Women, Honored for her participation in Muskogee's Elevate Eastern Youth Summit, 2015 Top Honoree of the William's Women of Inspiration Award, Awarded for Distinguised Service in promoting Literacy and Spelling by the Eastern Oklahoma State Spelling Bee, just to list a few.

Cassandra battled with Cancer for many years, but she never complained.  If she was suffering, you never knew it.  In her 63rd year of life, Cassandra Jean Gaines obtained her wings and "took flight with Angels to thine place of rest" on Saturday morning, October 21, 2016 from Muskogee.  She said "farewell for now," but left behind a legacy that we will honor and remember for years to come.

Cassandra leaves in God's care;  her daughter, Aanje;  her granddaughter, Dominique;  her sister, Dottie McBeth;  her niece, Tamika Hill:  and a host of other relatives, church family and dear friends to lament her passing.

The Hour of Tribute, honoring the life of our dear Sister Cassandra Gaines will commence on Monday, October 31, 2016 at 11:00 A.M. in the most holy sanctuary of the Timothy Baptist Church, 5530 West Okmulgee Avenue in Muskogee.  Pastor Kelly Payne is the gracious host Pastor and Pastor Stephen Wiley, Senior Pastor of Praise Center Family Church, will Preside.  Burial will follow in the Greenhill Cemetery in Muskogee.

You may visit her, as she slumbers in sweet repose at the Keith D. Biglow Funeral Directors, Inc., on Sunday from 11:00 AM until 5:00 PM.