Roberta Ethel (Hamilton) Gaines

Roberta (Berta) Ethel Gaines was born in Philadelphia, PA on December 20, 1935 to the late James Hamilton and Essie Mae McWilliams. In the early 1950’s, “Berta” moved to Wildwood and married her childhood sweetheart and late husband Edward “Lefty” Gaines. The couple were blessed with 10 children.

Over her years living in Wildwood, Roberta held various jobs which included Woodbine State Development Center as a Human Services Aid, a Nurses Aid in a Nursing Home facility based in Pleasantville, NJ, and many years as a Hospitality Worker at the Kings Inn in Wildwood, NJ. Roberta also enjoyed working for the Wildwood Police Department as a School Crossing Guard. Roberta frequently attended Christ Gospel Church in Whitesboro, NJ.

Roberta was well known as ‟Berta” and loved throughout the community for which she resided. She was affectionately called “Mom Mom” by all her grandchildren.

In 2018 Roberta left Wildwood and moved to Fayetteville, NC to live with her daughter. On the 8th day of October 2023 at the age of 87, due to failing health “Berta” closed her eyes and departed this life to meet our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ.

Roberta leaves behind to mourn her siblings, Louise Simmons; Thelma Reid, and James Hamilton: her children, Edna Molina, Willa Mae Booker, Alberta (Melody) Matthews (husband Larry), Lillian Harrison, Sheila Watkins, Edward (Lefty) Gaines, Michael Gaines (wife Monique), Warren Gaines (wife Martha) and Eric Gaines, 28 grandchildren, over 30 great grandchildren, 1 great great grandchild and a host of many more relatives and friends. She is preceded in death by her daughter Candis Gaines, and (2) sisters Jeanette Murray and Phyllis Anderson.

A Visitation will take place 2:00-3:00 PM Sunday, October 29, 2023 at LaFayette Funeral Home, 6651 Raeford Rd. Fayetteville, NC 28304.

A Celebration of Life Service will follow the visitation with Reverend Robert Staples officiating.

Arrangements for the family are entrusted to LaFayette Funeral Home of Fayetteville, NC. On-line condolences may be made at www.lafayettefh.com