Josephine Ellis-Gaines

Josephine Ellis-Gaines, 78, of Rockford, IL, passed away Saturday, September 16, 2023, at Swedish American Health.  Born December 28, 1944, in Itta Bena, MS, the daughter of Willie and Lillie (McClain) Graham, Sr.  Married Oscar Gaines, Jr., in 1997.  Employed by Chrysler for 33 years.  Member of Progressive Missionary Baptist Church.  Joesphine loved to cook for her friends and family.  She enjoyed going to church, shopping, and playing slot machines.  Josephine loved playing with her dog, Charlie.  Survivors include her husband of 26 years, Oscar Gaines; children, DuWayne Polk, Yacoma Barmore, Osjaunique Barmore-Gulley, Demonde Barmore-Gulley, Yaterranique Barmore, Chinalisa, Lynn, Jackie, Tiara, and Nikia; 15 grandchildren including, Zacarie Brown, Tashianna Lewis, Chreshenda (Hugh) Lewis-Donelson, Aldridge Nolan, Dameon (Tierra) Lewis, Cordney (Lea) Lewis, Brittney Hill, and Demarkus Polk; 15 great-grandchildren; 3 great-great-grandchildren; 6 godchildren; siblings, Emma Clay, Fannie Michell, Annie Williams, L.T. Graham, Rafael (Pamela) Graham, Robert Graham, Luella Hicks, Willie (Sandra) Graham, Charles Graham, and JoAnn (Tracey) Taylor; special nieces, Tiara Green and Lillie Charles; special pet, Charlie Gaines; special friends, Dolly Ford, Robin, Debra Gibson, and Leon Reed.  Predeceased by her parents; son, Anthony Polk; brothers, Willie Graham, Jr., and R.C. Graham; sisters, Elnora Williams, Louise Loudermilk, Mary Graham, Dorothy Nevels, and Maxine.

Service at 11 a.m. Saturday, September 30, 2023, at Progressive Missionary Baptist Church, 109 Lincoln Park Blvd., Rockford, with visitation from 10 a.m. to service time.  Burial in Sunset Memorial Gardens.  Arrangements by Delehanty Funeral Home, 401 River Lane, Loves Park, IL. In lieu of flowers, a memorial will be established.