Remembering Mother Madeline Grant Gentles

Affectionately called Aunt Lynn

Jamaica

Madeline Gentles was born in St. Anna Jamaica, on February 16, 1927 to Hazel Grant and her loving mother Joann Mills, affectionately called Ms. Maggie. She attended Alexandria Primary School and Corron Hall Training Center in St. Mary, Jamaica. Madeline worked as a dress maker in Kingston, Jamaica, until she migrated to the United States. After a few years she decided to work as a nursing assistant in a mental institution. Madeline was affectionately called Aunt Lynn, she was very compassionate, she not only cared for her three daughters, she also raised her friend's daughter Donna Pollack, from ages 10 to 18 years old. She loved and cared for her as one of her daughters. Her mother owned the local grocery store and everyone knew her as Ms. Maggie. Madeline played the saxophone in a band, while in the band she met her husband Leonard Gentles and they played together. Madeline was a seamstress, she made all the children's clothes and uniforms. She was an expert seamstress and this became her profession. Madeline Gentles loved the Lord and instilled goodness and kindness in everyone around her.

Evanston Illinois

In the year of 2000, Deacon Madeline Gentles became a member of Springfield Baptist Church, under Rev. Eddie Reeves. She was on the Deacon Board, she prepared the communion for the Lord's Supper, she also taught the young people's Sunday School Class. Here Deacon Gentles started a Dance ministry. She worked for District 65's School District in Evanston, Illinois, as a registered nurse and physical therapists. She provided in home physical therapy for the elderly. Deacon Gentles was an astute student of the Word of God. She loved to recite the scriptures and she loved to worship God. When Oasis Christian Ministries Inter-national was formed, Deacon Gentles became a member and was one of the first Deacons. She made sure that clean handkerchiefs, fresh glasses of water were available for the Bishop and First Lady. She also prepared communion every first Sunday for the Lord's Supper. Deacon Gentles was very meticulous and concerned that not just anyone could or should handle the communion utensils. Deacon Gentles continued the Dance Ministry at Oasis Ministries and recruited "seasoned" women age 60 and above to join this Ministry. She was very proud of this Ministry. Despite her age, she danced like she was floating on air. She joined a mission called Women of Faith Society. They catered to the hungry, people needing clothing, misplaced children, taking care of the sick, homeless, giving in home care to the elderly and visiting the elderly in the hospital. Deacon Gentles made personalized computer generated birthday cards for each member of the missions society. She was a loyal , loving and devoted member of Oasis Christian Ministry International Church until she moved away from Evanston, Ill. and relocated to Michigan.

Ypsilanti Michigan

In 2016 Mother Madeline Gentles became a member of Whitehead Memorial COGIC, In Ypsilanti Michigan. Under the Leadership of Bishop James L. Whitehead Jr. Mother Gentles was a member of the Mothers Board, she faithfully attended Sunday School, where she would often quote scriptures verbatim. On one occasion she was asked to read the scripture and to our surprise, she quoted it. She would drive to church and later was driven by her dear friend Dolly Thurmond. She also attended Jurisdictional, and District meetings. Mother Gentles received an award from the National Church of God in Christ. And to no surprise she would give tips to the Young Peoples Dance Ministry of Whitehead Memorial. Mother Madeline Gentles was preceded in death by: her Parents; Hazel Grant and Joann Mills her Husband; Leonard Gentles, one sister; Datheney, three beautiful daughters; Lafane Steele (better known as Dale), Jacqueline Gentles - Coley (better known as Googie) and Nadine Gentles (better known as Lalou) Mother Madeline Gentles leaves to cherish her memory: one brother Ed gar Grant, five grandchildren; Mykel Steele, Margot Howard (Tommy), Karen Steele, Gregory Gentles and Ashley Coley, five great grandchildren; Taylor Steele, Donovan Steele and Mehgan Steele, Robert Howard and Saint Gentles, a host of nieces, nephews, cousins, special care giver; Shayla and special friend Evangelist Dolly Thurmond.

Mother Gentles forfilled the scripture John 9:4

I must work the works of him that sent me, while it is day: the night cometh when no man can work.