Gelaine Bethea Valentine, 88, of Winston-Salem, North Carolina, entered her Omega on June 21, 2026. Her Alpha began on June 11, 1938, in Winston-Salem, North Carolina.

On June 21, 2026, Heaven opened its gates and welcomed this special Angel home. Gelaine lived a life of perseverance, faith, and love. leaving behind a legacy that will continue to inspire all who knew her.

Throughout her life, she worked various jobs, including as a hostess at the historic Robert E. Lee Hotel’s General’s Club. Even then, she was striving to better her life, attending Rutledge College and Forsyth Technical Community College. Opportunity soon knocked when she was offered a position in the Anesthesia Department at NC Baptist Hospital (now Atrium Health Wake Forest Baptist). She made history as the first Black person hired in the department, a position she faithfully and proudly held for 39 years. After retiring, she continued her service to others as a Residential Counselor for UMAR Corporation.

Gelaine’s greatest passion was her love for Jesus Christ and working in His church. A devoted member of Goler Memorial African Methodist Episcopal Zion Church, she served in many capacities. She worked in beautification, planting flowers around the church grounds, and in the culinary ministry, preparing many scrumptious meals for members, the homeless, and the Kids’ Café. Her greatest joy, however, was working with the Children’s Church, where she touched countless young lives, making each child feel seen, loved, and special.

Affectionately called “Momma” by her children, she was also known for her many signature dishes, including egg custards, sweet potato pies, seafood dressing, potato salad, and her beloved biscuits. Gifted with many talents, she was also an excellent seamstress. In her early years, she lovingly sewed new outfits for her daughter, Beverly—a true reflection of her care and dedication as a mother.

She was preceded in death by her parents, Moses Bethea and Eula Mae Bethea Patterson; her brothers, Lester Bethea, Willie Bethea, and Ulysses Bethea; her son, Joel Richie Bethea (Emma); and her bonus son, Everette Ravon Revels.

Surviving to continue her legacy are her children, Rev. Beverly W. McMillian, Rev. Thomas Vincent Davis (Bonita), Walter Lorenzo Bethea (Lisa), and Evette Revels; bonus children, Everette Bernard Williams (Camille), Deidra Revels, and Meshell Adams; she also leaves to cherish her love and memory, twenty grandchildren (name sake Lorin Gelaine); forty great-grandchildren; one great-great-grandchild; her brothers, Robert Bethea (Sally) and Hiawatha Bethea (Nancy Marie); her sister, Peggy Wilson (Rosebud); her loving best friend and sister-in-law, Jean Holt; along with numerous nieces, nephews, cousins, and extended family members.

Gelaine will be remembered for her strength, generosity, faith, and unwavering love for God, her family, and community. Her life was a beautiful testament to service, resilience, and devotion, and her legacy will live on in all who knew and loved her.

Celebration of Life Services will be held at 1:00pm Tuesday, July 7, 2026 at Phillips Chapel Missionary Baptist Church, 132 Glenn Ave. NE W-S, NC 27105. The family visitation will be held from 12noon until 1:00pm on Tuesday at the Church.