Obituaries

Catherine DuBois Gaynes was born on March 21, 1946 to Herman Reid and Adele Ann Chambers. She was raised by William and Adele DuBois. The eldest of four children, Catherine was educated in the catholic school system within the Diocese of Brooklyn. As a young girl, Catherine grew up in the Brevoort Projects. Everyone knew and liked Catherine because she had a great sense of humor even when she wasn’t trying to be funny. Catherine was very outspoken often felt the need to get her point across by any means necessary. Underneath Catherine’s oft unfiltered mouth was a woman with a heart of gold and a strong generosity of spirit. Catherine was extremely intelligent and received a full scholarship to Hunter College after graduating from Bishop McDonald High School. She attended Hunter College for a short period of time and persuaded her parents to let her transfer to Howard University.

Catherine left Howard University shortly thereafter to start a family. She gave birth to her eldest child, Brooke in 1966, then Britt in 1970 and  her youngest Serge in 1973.

After Catherine divorced her first husband, Cordie Russ, she remarried and was predeceased by her second husband, Norman (Nat) Gaynes. She has had several occupations over her lifetime. She has been a model, barmaid, airline ticket agent, claims examiner for The Workers Compensation Board, telemarketer, community activist/advocate and I am sure we may have forgotten some. In 1993 Catherine moved to Massachusetts and shortly after discovered that she was HIV positive. Although her friends and family were devastated, they continued to love and fully support her in her endeavors. Every year friends and family would make the trip to Massachusetts for the AIDS Walk to show our love and support. The one position that Catherine was most proud was that of an Activist/Advocate for the HIV/AIDS community. She had finally found her niche. Catherine enjoyed public speaking and was in demand for speaking engagements all over the country. Some of Catherine’s accomplishments include, keynote speaker at the AIDS Walk Boston (twice), being awarded the Sidney W. Borum Jr. Memorial Award two consecutive years, being awarded the Boston College MLK Jr. Award and being honored at Harvard for her work in the AIDS Community. 

Always the life of the party, Catherine’s spirit will live in our hearts forever. Catherine leaves behind daughters, Brooke A. Tyler, Britt Alexis Mc Daniels and husband Robert, son Serge A. David and wife Lorraine; grandchildren, Nia A. Tyler, Isaiah M. Hines, Nyri M. Tyler, and Adele C. David; her siblings, William DuBois, Lawrence DuBois, Herman Reid, Julanne Reid; nieces, Precious, Brandi; nephews Jevon, William, Laurence, Brandon and Earl; great nieces and nephews, Nyasia, Sanaa, William (Alex), Jevon Jr., Dante, Precious, Aiden, Madison, Sean (Mason), Kyree; and several cousins.