***PLEASE NOTE…THERE IS NO SCHEDULED VISITATION AT THE CHURCH ON FRIDAY. THERE WILL BE A VISITATION PERIOD FROM 9:00-10:15 AM ON SATURDAY AT THE CHURCH PRIOR TO THE SERVICE AT 11:00 AM***
Adrienne Lynnette Gaines, 48, of Fayetteville, Arkansas transitioned on Sunday, January 5th 2025 surrounded by her loved ones.
Adrienne Gaines was born January 8, 1976 in Lajes Field, Terceira Island, Azores, Portugal to Sandra Miskell and the late Clifford Bernard Miskell, Sr. She grew up in O’Fallon, IL and graduated from O’Fallon High School where she was a basketball phenom! She was awarded a full athletic scholarship to University of Northern Iowa (UNI) and graduated with a degree in Computer Information Systems. While at UNI, Adrienne became strongly rooted in Christ. This was a decision that would change her life and cement her path.
This decision led her to meet and marry the love of her life, Ornette Gaines, Sr. Their union resulted in the births of Morgan, Ornette, Jr. and Katie. Adrienne went on to earn her graduate degree in Workforce Development. God’s calling remained strong on her life. Adrienne accepted her call to preach the gospel. Reverend Adrienne Gaines was a part of the ministerial team at St. James Missionary Baptist Church where she preached and taught the word of God. In addition to being a minister, Adrienne was appointed to the position of Director of the College of Engineering One- Stop at University of Arkansas (U of A) after 14 years as an academic advisor. Advocating for students and assisting them with actualizing their dreams was one of her heart’s greatest joys. In addition, Adrienne led Bible study for more than 10 years at U of A which allowed her to assist students in developing their relationship with Christ.
When not in the pulpit or serving students, Adrienne could be found immersed in her other love, sports! Whether on the couch cheering loudly for the Golden State Warriors or in the stands rooting for her children at their basketball and volleyball games.
Adrienne’s legacy is her love and her service. Adrienne’s mission was to be the example of God’s love. In that mission she never ceased to extend herself to anyone in need and worked tirelessly to reflect God’s light and love. Her words, whether written or spoken were the source of comfort and inspiration. Her laughter was contagious and melodic! She was a devoted and faithful wife, fiercely protective mother, caring daughter, supportive sister, and loving niece, aunt, cousin, and friend.
The family will receive friends from 5:00-6:30 PM Friday, January 10, 2025 at St. James Missionary Baptist Church.
A celebration of life will be held at 11:00 AM Saturday, January 11, 2025 at St. James Missionary Baptist Church.
Interment will be private.
My thoughts and prayers go up for the family. Adrienne was a true beacon of light, as she touched so many. In the midst of her illness, she showed such strength and remained prayerful, thankful and faithful despite her circumstances. Her testimonies were so inspirational to me, as through FB and Instagram she shared her story and faith when she was able. I held her in my prayers when I found out she was sick. While, she will be greatly missed, I hope you find comfort in knowing that Heaven gained an angel and she is healed and experiencing the joy of paradise!
Extending sincere condolences to family, friends and loved ones during this time…
To the Gaines Family you are in my Prayers. She was a sweet person. RIL and RIP. I’m so sorry our God has gain a 😇. I’m 🙏 for Family and friends. My Beautiful Sister in the Lord take your sweet rest.
My deepest condolences and prayers. May the good lord hold your family even closer in your darkest hours.
I’m so sorry for the lost of my dear cousin.
The Lord needed her more to fly as one of his special Angels.
God Bless the family and protect them and strengthen their hearts.
Sincere condolences to Adrienne’s family and friends. I gained so much with her preaching and strength through her illness. She will be missed!!!!
PRAYERS, LOVE, & SYMPATHY are extended to Adrienne’s BEAUTIFUL family❣️ Ornette, you and Adrienne truly received God’s BEST when you married one another. From your marriage, you were BLESSED beyond measure with BEAUTIFUL children, loved ones, and friends. It is our PRAYER that each day the Lord will comfort, strengthen, encourage, and guide you as you adjust to living without your earthly angel. HOLD ON to the love and memories which never die❣️ WE LOVE EACH OF YOU & BID YOU GOD’S GRACE & MERCY❣️🤗🙏🏾✨️✝️✨️💯
To be absent in the body is to be present with the Lord.
My deepest sympathies to the family.
May God continue to keep his hands around you all, family and friends.
Rainge/Berry family
Adrienne, I just read you are already with Jesus. Not knowing, I prayed for you extra on your birthday; it’s hard to believe we shared the same birth year. I am thankful you are with Jesus, but saddened you are no longer encouraging us here on earth. Do you remember when you were maid of honour at our wedding? You didn’t remind us to say the speeches when we forgot. I think you were relieved not to have to speak in font of everyone. But what a blessing it was to know you didn’t forget because the next day I found your typed speech in my handbag and read it aloud to Ryan on our drive to our honeymoon! Funny how later you preached in front of congregations. The Lord definitely has changed us over the years!
I will never forget how our Lord utilised you to bring me to salvation as my coworker, my friend, my Bible study leader, flatmate, and maid of honour. The Lord definitely has a sense of humour! After all you, A, knew I was yet to become a believer when I thought I already was! And when the Lord called me to full time overseas ministry you were right by my side cheering me on! When I came to you saying I didn’t know how I would afford seminary, you said let’s rent an apartment together (and we did even though we had to keep our cats apart). You made that sacrifice for nearly a year just for me! Remember when I said I wouldn’t marry a Bible thumper; then I did! You and I talked and prayed for hours whilst dating Ryan and Ornette. Those were some good times…oh how we laughed!
Thank you again, dear friend, for ALL the times you prayed, listened, encouraged, and stood by my side! I am sad I am far away and unable to attend your funeral. I will be praying for your dear mom, brother, Ornette, your children, and congregation. Your life touched so many! Know that every time I share Jesus with someone, here in England (or wherever the Lord has me), that is because YOU were the spark that fuelled the flames which led me to know Jesus as my wonderful Saviour!
I’ll see you in heaven, sweet Adrienne! I love you!
Comment My condoence’s to the entire family Adriene waa a ray of light that litup the room where she entired and very funny. We will all miss you but RIP.. May God giveyour husband and kids the comfort and peace needed knowing. Luv you Cousin!
Your cousin Denice.
Sending condolences to the entire family, all her friends and everyone impacted by the loss of Adrienne. Adrienne (aka Bones) was a teammate of mine. She was a year ahead of me at O’Fallon and I was the other half of the “inside – outside” ball duo at O’Fallon HS. Adrienne was a great leader, a scholar and an athlete. She was a great friend and we were always laughing. I have no doubt she is in heaven smiling down in her amazing kids and family. She is and always will be a super star.
Words seem wholly inadequate at times like these. I am a colleague and friend of Adreinne’s, and also share a birth year with her. Ornette, Jr., and my daughter Sophia, also went to school together for several years. Anyone who had the good fortune of interacting with Adrienne came away feeling better. What a gift she was! She radiated joy and never failed to uplift those around her. For a while, she and I and several colleagues did a weekly Bible study together. I always looked forward to Adreinne’s comments and insights. I truly believe she had a direct line to our Heavenly Father! To Ornette and her beautiful children, please know that your community mourns with you and is surrounding you with prayers for comfort.
My deepest thoughts and prayers are with you, Ornette, and the Gaines family. So sorry to hear about the loss of someone so dear. I had the privilege to meet Adrienne a few times, and her spirit was so sweet, so I can only imagine how hard this is for everyone who loves her. May God’s grace and consolation be with all of you!
Adrienne was such a kind and uplifting colleague, and I know how much of a battle she fought with her illness. She will be deeply missed on campus, and I am praying for deep love and healing for her family. Big love to you all.
Adrienne was/is an inspiration to all — students, colleagues, friends. My life was indeed enriched by knowing her.
My Thoughts, Prayers and Sympathy are with your entire family. I know Adrienne from the sports teams she shared with my daughter Teresa (Snowden) Sullivan in High School at O’Fallon Illinois. As families, we cheered together for our team with pride and joy. I feel such sadness at this news but keep my memory of her smile, faith , she reflected by her kindness and actions to all. I’m Praying for comfort, peace and love for your dear family.
May God uplift and strengthen Reverend Adrienne Gaines’ family during this challenging, difficult time.
A woman with vision, drive, follow-through, and drive, who also possessed the compassion, grace and fun, to get others to join the cause. That is Adrienne! Beloved and missed on the Hill. Thank you for your example to me.
My sincere condolences to the family!🙏🙏
My deepest condolences to the family. Sending the family positive thoughts and lots of prayers.
My deepest condolences to Mrs Gaines family and friends. Mrs Gaines was a mentor and a mother figure to my son while he was attending UA Fayetteville. She made sure he was never alone. Mrs Gaines prayed with us and through her Gods word strengthen and sustained us both. I will forever cherish the kindness she showed our family. Her Legacy will live on, and we will pay it forward in her honor. Wishing peace and comfort to her family during this time.
My thoughts and Prayers are with the Family at this difficult time 🙏🏽🙏🏽. Adrienne will be missed immensely, she was such an Angel and Prayer Warrior!!!
I’m so very sorry for the loss of your beautiful God fearing daughter. May God keep and comfort you as you navigate the difficult days ahead.