LaNita Gaines, 59 - UAW Local 7 official and firebrand
Kathi
http://detnews.com/article/20100325/OBITUARIES/3250394
w/photo
UAW official fought for members
MARK HICKS
The Detroit News
LaNita Gaines considered her fellow United Auto Workers family, and
went to great lengths to make sure they were helped.
The longtime UAW Local 7 representative did everything from securing
educational benefits for members to helping plan funerals for
retirees.
"She took pride in fighting for all union members -- active, retiree,
laid off," said Sheila Holmes, a group trustee and longtime friend.
"If she was called upon, she would take care of them."
Miss Gaines died Tuesday, March 16, 2010, after a heart attack. She
was 59.
Born July 5, 1950, she grew up on Detroit's east side and attended
Osborn High School.
Soon after graduating, she began working at Chrysler Corp., starting
out on the assembly line, said her son, Monte Wall.
Miss Gaines later became a UAW Local 7 guide, sergeant-at-arms and an
employee assistance program representative, serving as a Michigan
Employment Security Commission coordinator, union associates said.
In 1993, she became a financial secretary/treasurer.
Miss Gaines also joined various committees, was a delegate at the
UAW's Constitutional Convention, and often worked with groups to
coordinate events at the Local 7 hall, said its president, Cynthia
Holland.
"She was UAW to the core," she said. "Whatever you needed, you came to
her."
When a UAW member died, Miss Gaines, known as "Cupcakes," often helped
plan services, gave presentations on their work or even sang and
played the organ during funerals, her son said. "She was always
there."
For years, Miss Gaines was a precinct delegate for the 14th District,
Holmes said, cheerfully volunteering during elections.
"You name, she did it," Holmes said. "She'd use her van to take people
to vote, provided many leaflets. ... She loved it because it was
educating individuals."
For fun, Miss Gaines loved traveling to places such as Las Vegas and
Jamaica.
She also was committed to education, earning a degree in labor studies
from Wayne State University, her son said.
Community service remained a major endeavor. Miss Gaines was active in
a Chandler Park block club, helped coordinate a Christmas basket drive
and supported local charities, Wall said.
"She was just a person who was everywhere in the community, trying to
lend her support," he said.
"That was her way of giving back."
Other survivors include a granddaughter, Montaya Wall; a
daughter-in-law, Teresa; a sister, Christine Davis; and a
sister-in-law, Ophelia Gaines. She was predeceased by her mother,
Mattie Gaines.
Visitation is 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. Friday at UAW Local 7, 2600 Conner,
Detroit, and 6-8 p.m. Friday at Jamison Temple Missionary Baptist
Church, 12530 Mack, Detroit.
Services are scheduled for 10 a.m. Saturday, Second Ebenezer Church,
14601 Dequindre, Detroit.