Obituary of Anita Ann Gayles

Ms. Anita Ann Gayles, 71 transitioned peacefully on Saturday, November 27, 2021 at her Daughter & Son In Law’s home in Kalamazoo, Michigan. She was surrounded by Sharee, Frank Jr. and, her Grand Daughter: Shauntasia. Ms. Anita Ann Gayles, was born on Tuesday, March 7, 1950 in Benton Harbor, Michigan to, Mr. Robert L. Sr. and Mrs. Mary Louise (Davis) Gayles. Shortly after her birth, her Father moved her to Amityville (Long Island), New York where he & his Family (Youngstown, Ohio) raised her and younger Siblings. In 1974, Ms. Anita traveled to Michigan to meet with & be around her Mother. She did travel back & forth to New York, Ohio, and Michigan to stay active in her families’ lives. Living in & traveling back and forth to New York, Ohio, & Michigan, Ms. Anita gained an abundance of Family (extended), Friends, and relationships that would follow her throughout her life. Ms. Anita had given birth to a Daughter & Son in New York and a Daughter & Son in Michigan. Ms. Anita was a Diva in her own right, and she enjoyed being a Mother and Grandmother (Great). Her family was very important to her. She was a beautiful, & feisty woman who would tell you what JESUS loves. “That’s the truth.” She kept it real and loved you enough to tell you off when necessary. In 1984, Ms. Anita received her High School Equivalency Diploma (Benton Harbor Area School) and went on to become a Parent Volunteer at Fair Plain East Elementary School. In 1994, Ms. Anita received her Associate of Applied Science Degree in Computer Information & Business Administration from Jordan College (Cedar Springs, Michigan) She had went on to work for Meijer (Benton Harbor) as a General Merchandising Clerk & Union Steward for 17 years until her health prevented her from working. (Retired 2011) Ms. Anita cared for & helped out so many (Family & Friends) in the front scenes and behind the scenes. She was always donating for a cause. She had received: Outstanding Leadership, Patriot of the Year & Appreciation Awards from: Memorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Center, Hospitalized & Paralyzed Veterans of America and The American Heart Association. Of all accomplishments and awards, at an early age Ms. Anita accepted JESUS CHRIST as her LORD and Personal Savior. Her Parents raised her in Church making sure she was an avid Member. Sister (Anita) Gayles, was a Member of St. Matthews Missionary Baptist Church (Benton Harbor). She had attended Sunday School, Church Service, and Bible Study until her health changed. Sister Gayles, was a Choir Member & went on to serve as a Member of the Usher Board under the Leadership of Pastor Darwin L. Johnson. Sister Gayles is survived by her loving Family & Friends: Aunt: Jessie Mae Copeland (Ohio); Children: Janet (Arthur Jr.) Jacobs (North Carolina), Anthony (Shakiesha) Williams (New York), Sharee (Frank Jr.) Graham (Michigan) & Kamylle Gayles (Michigan); Brother Leonard Gayles (Atlanta); Nephew: Vernon Gayles (New York); 17 Grandchildren; 2 special & loved Great Grandsons: Egypt Jr. & Ezekiel Miller; Friends: Deborah Haynes & Vernell Guidroz (Both of New York), Evaline McGinnis (Michigan). Sister Gayles was proceeded in death by her Parents: Robert L. Sr. and Mary Louise (Davis) Gayles, and her Siblings: Arita I. Gayles, John L. Gayles, and Robert L. Gayles Jr.; Nephew: Darelle Gayles