Mozelle A. Gaines

Mozelle Gaines ObituaryObituary published on Legacy.com by Davis Funeral Home - Mattapan on Mar. 4, 2026.Beloved Mother and GrandmotherMozelle Aileen Gaines blessed this world on October 4, 1945, and peacefully departed on March 3, 2026. Mozelle was known by many loving names throughout her life-"Moe," "Aunty," "Ma Gaines," "Ma," and the name she cherished most, NaNa.Mozelle was born in Pomaria, South Carolina, and was raised in Charlotte, North Carolina by her late grandmother Plummie Doliey Later, she moved north to live with her parents. She made Boston her home, where she built a life rooted in family, faith, and community. Although she was the only child born to Moses and Jonel Edwards, she grew up surrounded by love and companionship, especially with her brother-cousin Palmer and many others who became lifelong family.She attended Boston Public Schools' Girls High School, where she formed friendships that lasted throughout her life. Mozelle was truly a jack of all trades, working in a variety of roles over the years at AT&T, State Street, ABCD, and ultimately the United States Post Office, where she dedicated more than 20 years of service before retiring in 2010.As a teenager, Mozelle attended Grant A.M.E. Church, where she dedicated herself to God and met the love of her life, Richard A. Gaines. Their love story led to a beautiful marriage at Grant A.M.E., beginning a union that lasted 58 years. Together they built a family and raised three wonderful children: sons Morgan, who sadly passed away at the age of 20, and Corwin, and daughter Katonya. Mozelle loved being a mother, filling her home with warmth, laughter, and simple joys. Some of her favorite moments were Sunday afternoons spent napping with her children, playing games, and creating new family adventures. Her heart grew even fuller when she became a grandmother to Derek Khalil and Joliana, and later a great-grandmother to Azaria. Her grandchildren lovingly called her NaNa, and being their NaNa brought her immeasurable joy. She proudly spoke about them often and constantly encouraged them to chase their dreams and accomplish their goals.Mozelle's home was always open. Family, nieces, cousins, neighbors, and "all the neighborhood fellas" could often be found gathered around her table. She loved feeding people-no one ever left her home hungry. If you walked through her door, she would cook you a meal, sit with you, listen to your heart, and somehow make you feel like your worries could wait. She had a gift for listening and mentoring, and she welcomed every child in the neighborhood as if they were her own.Her kindness and generosity were deeply rooted in her faith in God. Mozelle believed in treating everyone with love, dignity, and respect. She carried a warm smile wherever she went and had an incredible ability to see the good in everyone. Her bubbly personality would light up the room and encourage those around her to forget their issues. As her family often joked, she could find the good in anyone-even the devil.Mozelle found joy in life's simple pleasures. She loved going to the movies and enjoying her popcorn, watching classic black-and-white cowboy films, attending church and prayer groups, and listening to gospel music. She also loved playing board games, going to restaurants, and indulging her sweet tooth-especially ice cream. Many cherished evenings were spent at Brigham's, where she happily enjoyed her favorite frozen pudding or banana boats with family.Mozelle was preceded in death by her beloved husband, Richard A. Gaines, and her son, Morgan A. Gaines.She leaves behind a loving family who will carry her memory forever: her son Corwin Gaines; her daughter Katonya Gaines; her grandchildren Derek Khalil and Joliana; and her precious great-granddaughter Azaria Gaines. She also leaves behind her devoted companion, Lola aka Lulu, her beloved French bulldog.Mozelle's legacy continues through the many lives she touched. She is lovingly remembered by her sisters and brothers-in-love, cousins, nieces, nephews, dear friends, and the many "adopted" children who found guidance, comfort, and love in her presence.Mozelle Gaines lived a beautiful life filled with faith, generosity, laughter, and unconditional love. She leaves behind a powerful legacy of kindness and a family and community that will forever be better because she was here. She will be deeply missed, lovingly remembered, and forever held in our hearts.To send flowers to the family or plant a tree in memory of Mozelle A. Gaines, please visit our floral store.To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.