Nationally Recognized Federal Civil Servant/Entrepreneur/Longtime Prince Hall Grand Lodge, OES Grand Officer, State of Oklahoma Jurisdiction
Member-Seminole Nation of Oklahoma
Alma Elizabeth Swain Gaines, was born and raised in Seminole County, OK, where she was a member of the Mt. Zion Baptist Church, which was pastored by Rev. Eucum Bruner. She grew up on her family's one hundred and twenty acre farm, and was no stranger to that type of work. She was a 1940 graduate of Douglass High School-Wewoka, Oklahoma. Her principal was the notable Oklahoma educator, Mr.(later Dr.) F.D. Moon. She would reside in several cities across the nation as a young adult. She lived in Chicago, Illinois with her father, step-mother, and other siblings. Alma resided in Kansas City, Missouri for a period of time, and would later relocate to the San Francisco Bay Area of California during World War II. While in California, she was employed by the U.S. Navy at the Naval Supply Depot, Oakland. She was truly what has been termed a "Rosie-The-Riviter," and became proficient in the operation of a fork-lift, other loading/unloading equipment, and general shipyard work (which prior to the war, had been occupations generally held by men).
After World War II ended, Alma returned to Oklahoma. Always seeking to improve herself through education, Alma became a licensed Cosmetologist (Beautician), and worked as such in the Oklahoma City, OK area. Alma also attended Langston University Extension Institute, and Oklahoma State University, receiving state licensure as an LPN (Licensed Practical Nurse). She held several vocational certifications, and was a licensed real estate agent. Alma earned an Associates Degree in Liberal Studies (South Oklahoma City Junior College), and was near the completion of a Bachelors of Arts Degree in Humanities (University of Oklahoma), at the time of her death. She continually encouraged the importance of education to her loved ones.
In 1951, Alma was hired at Tinker Air Force Base, OK, thus continuing her federal employment. Alma Gaines was one of the few women hired as material handling equipment operators at Tinker AFB. She came to TAFB as an "experienced operator," having worked in a similar position at the Naval Supply Depot-Oakland, CA. Her job performance at Tinker AFB, helped to alter attitudes about women equipment operators, and helped to improve employment opportunities for women in this area. Alma was a longtime advocate for women's work equity in federal service, and would complete over 32 years of federal service.
Alma married Mr. Herley B. (H.B.) Gaines, who was a prominent businessman and police officer on the Eastside of Oklahoma City. Mr. Gaines owned/operated the "Gaines Filling Station ( a full-service gas station, located at 1821 N. Lottie). During the days of segregation, there were a limited number of places where African-Americans could purchase gasoline on the Eastside of Oklahoma City. The Gaines family provided this service to the community for over twenty-five years. During her tenure of federal service at Tinker AFB, Alma would be promoted to the position of "Training Instructor." While serving in this position, she would excel. "When the "New Man Program (1970's)," geared to update the capabilities of supply personnel was implemented, Mrs. Gaines was instrumental in developing its course outlines and materials. This work was done for all Air Force Logistics Command Installations, as Tinker was the office of primary responsibility."
In 1974, Alma Gaines was awarded one of six Equal Employment Opportunity (EEO) awards given annually by the United States Air Force. "The presentation was made to Mrs. Alma E. Gaines, Directorate of Distribution Training Instructor," during ceremonies held at Wright-Patterson AFB, Ohio. The Honorable David P. Taylor, Assistant Secretary of the Air Force (Manpower and Reserve Affairs), honored Mrs. Gaines for her work with the Oklahoma City Air Logistics Center Federal Women's Program Committee. Mrs. Gaines was honored for her "outstanding contribution in the Federal Women's Program and her professional and personal dedication to Federal Women's Program projects."
Alma was a faithful and long-time member of the Ebenezer Baptist Church (having joined in the early 1950's). As a member of this congregation, she would serve as the Assistant Sunday School Superintendent, Vice-President of the Senior Missionary Society, Women's Department Adult Teacher, and as Chairman of the NAACP Fund Drive for the church.
Alma Gaines was a "Charter Member" and "Past Matron" of Jephthah's Daughter, Chapter#108, Order of the Eastern Star (8 years as WM); Grand Officer of the Queen Bathsheba Grand Chapter OES, State of Oklahoma Jurisdiction; a member of the Matron and Patron Council, OES; Past President and Charter Member of the Federally Employed Women (FEW); the Domestic Science Club; Federated Women's Club; NAACP; NOW; Urban League; Member-Zeta Phi Beta Sorority, Inc., Metropolitan YWCA Board Member; McFarland Branch YWCA Board; McFarland YWCA Membership Committee; Area Chairwoman-United Way; Member, Commander's Advisory Committee-TAFB; Tinker AFB Management Club; Board of Director's-Fay Cemetery Association; Assistant Leader-Camp Fire Girls; Athletic Director-Corpus Christi Catholic School; Multi-Sport Coach-Corpus Christi Catholic School; PTA President-Corpus Christi Catholic School; Band Booster Club President-Corpus Christi Catholic School, a regular contributing writer to "The Black Dispatch (1950's & 1960's)," and held an active membership in a host of other organizations and clubs. Alma enjoyed flower gardening, making floral arrangements, sewing, reading, public speaking, jazz/big band music, dancing, and studying the piano.
She was the daughter of Wyatt T. Swain, Jr. (aka B.F. (Benita) Swain), and Effie Fay James. Alma was the oldest of Swain's twelve children. Swain would later marry Roberta Thompson. To this union, eleven children were born. Alma's siblings were as follows: Edna James Edwards, Rosie James, Vermell Swain Robinson, Lenice Swain Hilliard, Laninier Swain, Armentha Swain Young, Jesse James, Frank James Jr., Edmond James, Jefferson Sancho, Bennie Swain, Clyde Swain, Lopaz Swain, Pedro Swain, Montevenus Swain, Estaveon Swain, and Costell Swain. All family, children and descendants would remain close to this day. Alma would pass away on Friday November 14, 1980, after a brief and sudden illness. She was the mother of two children.
The "Alma E. Gaines, Chapter#132," OES/PHA, State of Oklahoma Jurisdiction, was organized/named in her honor.
Cited Information was included from the following source:
Tinker Take-Off (Periodical), Vol.32, No. 47, Oklahoma City, OK, Friday, November 29, 1974.
Member-Seminole Nation of Oklahoma
Alma Elizabeth Swain Gaines, was born and raised in Seminole County, OK, where she was a member of the Mt. Zion Baptist Church, which was pastored by Rev. Eucum Bruner. She grew up on her family's one hundred and twenty acre farm, and was no stranger to that type of work. She was a 1940 graduate of Douglass High School-Wewoka, Oklahoma. Her principal was the notable Oklahoma educator, Mr.(later Dr.) F.D. Moon. She would reside in several cities across the nation as a young adult. She lived in Chicago, Illinois with her father, step-mother, and other siblings. Alma resided in Kansas City, Missouri for a period of time, and would later relocate to the San Francisco Bay Area of California during World War II. While in California, she was employed by the U.S. Navy at the Naval Supply Depot, Oakland. She was truly what has been termed a "Rosie-The-Riviter," and became proficient in the operation of a fork-lift, other loading/unloading equipment, and general shipyard work (which prior to the war, had been occupations generally held by men).
After World War II ended, Alma returned to Oklahoma. Always seeking to improve herself through education, Alma became a licensed Cosmetologist (Beautician), and worked as such in the Oklahoma City, OK area. Alma also attended Langston University Extension Institute, and Oklahoma State University, receiving state licensure as an LPN (Licensed Practical Nurse). She held several vocational certifications, and was a licensed real estate agent. Alma earned an Associates Degree in Liberal Studies (South Oklahoma City Junior College), and was near the completion of a Bachelors of Arts Degree in Humanities (University of Oklahoma), at the time of her death. She continually encouraged the importance of education to her loved ones.
In 1951, Alma was hired at Tinker Air Force Base, OK, thus continuing her federal employment. Alma Gaines was one of the few women hired as material handling equipment operators at Tinker AFB. She came to TAFB as an "experienced operator," having worked in a similar position at the Naval Supply Depot-Oakland, CA. Her job performance at Tinker AFB, helped to alter attitudes about women equipment operators, and helped to improve employment opportunities for women in this area. Alma was a longtime advocate for women's work equity in federal service, and would complete over 32 years of federal service.
Alma married Mr. Herley B. (H.B.) Gaines, who was a prominent businessman and police officer on the Eastside of Oklahoma City. Mr. Gaines owned/operated the "Gaines Filling Station ( a full-service gas station, located at 1821 N. Lottie). During the days of segregation, there were a limited number of places where African-Americans could purchase gasoline on the Eastside of Oklahoma City. The Gaines family provided this service to the community for over twenty-five years. During her tenure of federal service at Tinker AFB, Alma would be promoted to the position of "Training Instructor." While serving in this position, she would excel. "When the "New Man Program (1970's)," geared to update the capabilities of supply personnel was implemented, Mrs. Gaines was instrumental in developing its course outlines and materials. This work was done for all Air Force Logistics Command Installations, as Tinker was the office of primary responsibility."
In 1974, Alma Gaines was awarded one of six Equal Employment Opportunity (EEO) awards given annually by the United States Air Force. "The presentation was made to Mrs. Alma E. Gaines, Directorate of Distribution Training Instructor," during ceremonies held at Wright-Patterson AFB, Ohio. The Honorable David P. Taylor, Assistant Secretary of the Air Force (Manpower and Reserve Affairs), honored Mrs. Gaines for her work with the Oklahoma City Air Logistics Center Federal Women's Program Committee. Mrs. Gaines was honored for her "outstanding contribution in the Federal Women's Program and her professional and personal dedication to Federal Women's Program projects."
Alma was a faithful and long-time member of the Ebenezer Baptist Church (having joined in the early 1950's). As a member of this congregation, she would serve as the Assistant Sunday School Superintendent, Vice-President of the Senior Missionary Society, Women's Department Adult Teacher, and as Chairman of the NAACP Fund Drive for the church.
Alma Gaines was a "Charter Member" and "Past Matron" of Jephthah's Daughter, Chapter#108, Order of the Eastern Star (8 years as WM); Grand Officer of the Queen Bathsheba Grand Chapter OES, State of Oklahoma Jurisdiction; a member of the Matron and Patron Council, OES; Past President and Charter Member of the Federally Employed Women (FEW); the Domestic Science Club; Federated Women's Club; NAACP; NOW; Urban League; Member-Zeta Phi Beta Sorority, Inc., Metropolitan YWCA Board Member; McFarland Branch YWCA Board; McFarland YWCA Membership Committee; Area Chairwoman-United Way; Member, Commander's Advisory Committee-TAFB; Tinker AFB Management Club; Board of Director's-Fay Cemetery Association; Assistant Leader-Camp Fire Girls; Athletic Director-Corpus Christi Catholic School; Multi-Sport Coach-Corpus Christi Catholic School; PTA President-Corpus Christi Catholic School; Band Booster Club President-Corpus Christi Catholic School, a regular contributing writer to "The Black Dispatch (1950's & 1960's)," and held an active membership in a host of other organizations and clubs. Alma enjoyed flower gardening, making floral arrangements, sewing, reading, public speaking, jazz/big band music, dancing, and studying the piano.
She was the daughter of Wyatt T. Swain, Jr. (aka B.F. (Benita) Swain), and Effie Fay James. Alma was the oldest of Swain's twelve children. Swain would later marry Roberta Thompson. To this union, eleven children were born. Alma's siblings were as follows: Edna James Edwards, Rosie James, Vermell Swain Robinson, Lenice Swain Hilliard, Laninier Swain, Armentha Swain Young, Jesse James, Frank James Jr., Edmond James, Jefferson Sancho, Bennie Swain, Clyde Swain, Lopaz Swain, Pedro Swain, Montevenus Swain, Estaveon Swain, and Costell Swain. All family, children and descendants would remain close to this day. Alma would pass away on Friday November 14, 1980, after a brief and sudden illness. She was the mother of two children.
The "Alma E. Gaines, Chapter#132," OES/PHA, State of Oklahoma Jurisdiction, was organized/named in her honor.
Cited Information was included from the following source:
Tinker Take-Off (Periodical), Vol.32, No. 47, Oklahoma City, OK, Friday, November 29, 1974.
Nationally Recognized Federal Civil Servant/Entrepreneur/Longtime Prince Hall Grand Lodge, OES Grand Officer, State of Oklahoma Jurisdiction
Member-Seminole Nation of Oklahoma
Alma Elizabeth Swain Gaines, was born and raised in Seminole County, OK, where she was a member of the Mt. Zion Baptist Church, which was pastored by Rev. Eucum Bruner. She grew up on her family's one hundred and twenty acre farm, and was no stranger to that type of work. She was a 1940 graduate of Douglass High School-Wewoka, Oklahoma. Her principal was the notable Oklahoma educator, Mr.(later Dr.) F.D. Moon. She would reside in several cities across the nation as a young adult. She lived in Chicago, Illinois with her father, step-mother, and other siblings. Alma resided in Kansas City, Missouri for a period of time, and would later relocate to the San Francisco Bay Area of California during World War II. While in California, she was employed by the U.S. Navy at the Naval Supply Depot, Oakland. She was truly what has been termed a "Rosie-The-Riviter," and became proficient in the operation of a fork-lift, other loading/unloading equipment, and general shipyard work (which prior to the war, had been occupations generally held by men).
After World War II ended, Alma returned to Oklahoma. Always seeking to improve herself through education, Alma became a licensed Cosmetologist (Beautician), and worked as such in the Oklahoma City, OK area. Alma also attended Langston University Extension Institute, and Oklahoma State University, receiving state licensure as an LPN (Licensed Practical Nurse). She held several vocational certifications, and was a licensed real estate agent. Alma earned an Associates Degree in Liberal Studies (South Oklahoma City Junior College), and was near the completion of a Bachelors of Arts Degree in Humanities (University of Oklahoma), at the time of her death. She continually encouraged the importance of education to her loved ones.
In 1951, Alma was hired at Tinker Air Force Base, OK, thus continuing her federal employment. Alma Gaines was one of the few women hired as material handling equipment operators at Tinker AFB. She came to TAFB as an "experienced operator," having worked in a similar position at the Naval Supply Depot-Oakland, CA. Her job performance at Tinker AFB, helped to alter attitudes about women equipment operators, and helped to improve employment opportunities for women in this area. Alma was a longtime advocate for women's work equity in federal service, and would complete over 32 years of federal service.
Alma married Mr. Herley B. (H.B.) Gaines, who was a prominent businessman and police officer on the Eastside of Oklahoma City. Mr. Gaines owned/operated the "Gaines Filling Station ( a full-service gas station, located at 1821 N. Lottie). During the days of segregation, there were a limited number of places where African-Americans could purchase gasoline on the Eastside of Oklahoma City. The Gaines family provided this service to the community for over twenty-five years. During her tenure of federal service at Tinker AFB, Alma would be promoted to the position of "Training Instructor." While serving in this position, she would excel. "When the "New Man Program (1970's)," geared to update the capabilities of supply personnel was implemented, Mrs. Gaines was instrumental in developing its course outlines and materials. This work was done for all Air Force Logistics Command Installations, as Tinker was the office of primary responsibility."
In 1974, Alma Gaines was awarded one of six Equal Employment Opportunity (EEO) awards given annually by the United States Air Force. "The presentation was made to Mrs. Alma E. Gaines, Directorate of Distribution Training Instructor," during ceremonies held at Wright-Patterson AFB, Ohio. The Honorable David P. Taylor, Assistant Secretary of the Air Force (Manpower and Reserve Affairs), honored Mrs. Gaines for her work with the Oklahoma City Air Logistics Center Federal Women's Program Committee. Mrs. Gaines was honored for her "outstanding contribution in the Federal Women's Program and her professional and personal dedication to Federal Women's Program projects."
Alma was a faithful and long-time member of the Ebenezer Baptist Church (having joined in the early 1950's). As a member of this congregation, she would serve as the Assistant Sunday School Superintendent, Vice-President of the Senior Missionary Society, Women's Department Adult Teacher, and as Chairman of the NAACP Fund Drive for the church.
Alma Gaines was a "Charter Member" and "Past Matron" of Jephthah's Daughter, Chapter#108, Order of the Eastern Star (8 years as WM); Grand Officer of the Queen Bathsheba Grand Chapter OES, State of Oklahoma Jurisdiction; a member of the Matron and Patron Council, OES; Past President and Charter Member of the Federally Employed Women (FEW); the Domestic Science Club; Federated Women's Club; NAACP; NOW; Urban League; Member-Zeta Phi Beta Sorority, Inc., Metropolitan YWCA Board Member; McFarland Branch YWCA Board; McFarland YWCA Membership Committee; Area Chairwoman-United Way; Member, Commander's Advisory Committee-TAFB; Tinker AFB Management Club; Board of Director's-Fay Cemetery Association; Assistant Leader-Camp Fire Girls; Athletic Director-Corpus Christi Catholic School; Multi-Sport Coach-Corpus Christi Catholic School; PTA President-Corpus Christi Catholic School; Band Booster Club President-Corpus Christi Catholic School, a regular contributing writer to "The Black Dispatch (1950's & 1960's)," and held an active membership in a host of other organizations and clubs. Alma enjoyed flower gardening, making floral arrangements, sewing, reading, public speaking, jazz/big band music, dancing, and studying the piano.
She was the daughter of Wyatt T. Swain, Jr. (aka B.F. (Benita) Swain), and Effie Fay James. Alma was the oldest of Swain's twelve children. Swain would later marry Roberta Thompson. To this union, eleven children were born. Alma's siblings were as follows: Edna James Edwards, Rosie James, Vermell Swain Robinson, Lenice Swain Hilliard, Laninier Swain, Armentha Swain Young, Jesse James, Frank James Jr., Edmond James, Jefferson Sancho, Bennie Swain, Clyde Swain, Lopaz Swain, Pedro Swain, Montevenus Swain, Estaveon Swain, and Costell Swain. All family, children and descendants would remain close to this day. Alma would pass away on Friday November 14, 1980, after a brief and sudden illness. She was the mother of two children.
The "Alma E. Gaines, Chapter#132," OES/PHA, State of Oklahoma Jurisdiction, was organized/named in her honor.
Cited Information was included from the following source:
Tinker Take-Off (Periodical), Vol.32, No. 47, Oklahoma City, OK, Friday, November 29, 1974.
Member-Seminole Nation of Oklahoma
Alma Elizabeth Swain Gaines, was born and raised in Seminole County, OK, where she was a member of the Mt. Zion Baptist Church, which was pastored by Rev. Eucum Bruner. She grew up on her family's one hundred and twenty acre farm, and was no stranger to that type of work. She was a 1940 graduate of Douglass High School-Wewoka, Oklahoma. Her principal was the notable Oklahoma educator, Mr.(later Dr.) F.D. Moon. She would reside in several cities across the nation as a young adult. She lived in Chicago, Illinois with her father, step-mother, and other siblings. Alma resided in Kansas City, Missouri for a period of time, and would later relocate to the San Francisco Bay Area of California during World War II. While in California, she was employed by the U.S. Navy at the Naval Supply Depot, Oakland. She was truly what has been termed a "Rosie-The-Riviter," and became proficient in the operation of a fork-lift, other loading/unloading equipment, and general shipyard work (which prior to the war, had been occupations generally held by men).
After World War II ended, Alma returned to Oklahoma. Always seeking to improve herself through education, Alma became a licensed Cosmetologist (Beautician), and worked as such in the Oklahoma City, OK area. Alma also attended Langston University Extension Institute, and Oklahoma State University, receiving state licensure as an LPN (Licensed Practical Nurse). She held several vocational certifications, and was a licensed real estate agent. Alma earned an Associates Degree in Liberal Studies (South Oklahoma City Junior College), and was near the completion of a Bachelors of Arts Degree in Humanities (University of Oklahoma), at the time of her death. She continually encouraged the importance of education to her loved ones.
In 1951, Alma was hired at Tinker Air Force Base, OK, thus continuing her federal employment. Alma Gaines was one of the few women hired as material handling equipment operators at Tinker AFB. She came to TAFB as an "experienced operator," having worked in a similar position at the Naval Supply Depot-Oakland, CA. Her job performance at Tinker AFB, helped to alter attitudes about women equipment operators, and helped to improve employment opportunities for women in this area. Alma was a longtime advocate for women's work equity in federal service, and would complete over 32 years of federal service.
Alma married Mr. Herley B. (H.B.) Gaines, who was a prominent businessman and police officer on the Eastside of Oklahoma City. Mr. Gaines owned/operated the "Gaines Filling Station ( a full-service gas station, located at 1821 N. Lottie). During the days of segregation, there were a limited number of places where African-Americans could purchase gasoline on the Eastside of Oklahoma City. The Gaines family provided this service to the community for over twenty-five years. During her tenure of federal service at Tinker AFB, Alma would be promoted to the position of "Training Instructor." While serving in this position, she would excel. "When the "New Man Program (1970's)," geared to update the capabilities of supply personnel was implemented, Mrs. Gaines was instrumental in developing its course outlines and materials. This work was done for all Air Force Logistics Command Installations, as Tinker was the office of primary responsibility."
In 1974, Alma Gaines was awarded one of six Equal Employment Opportunity (EEO) awards given annually by the United States Air Force. "The presentation was made to Mrs. Alma E. Gaines, Directorate of Distribution Training Instructor," during ceremonies held at Wright-Patterson AFB, Ohio. The Honorable David P. Taylor, Assistant Secretary of the Air Force (Manpower and Reserve Affairs), honored Mrs. Gaines for her work with the Oklahoma City Air Logistics Center Federal Women's Program Committee. Mrs. Gaines was honored for her "outstanding contribution in the Federal Women's Program and her professional and personal dedication to Federal Women's Program projects."
Alma was a faithful and long-time member of the Ebenezer Baptist Church (having joined in the early 1950's). As a member of this congregation, she would serve as the Assistant Sunday School Superintendent, Vice-President of the Senior Missionary Society, Women's Department Adult Teacher, and as Chairman of the NAACP Fund Drive for the church.
Alma Gaines was a "Charter Member" and "Past Matron" of Jephthah's Daughter, Chapter#108, Order of the Eastern Star (8 years as WM); Grand Officer of the Queen Bathsheba Grand Chapter OES, State of Oklahoma Jurisdiction; a member of the Matron and Patron Council, OES; Past President and Charter Member of the Federally Employed Women (FEW); the Domestic Science Club; Federated Women's Club; NAACP; NOW; Urban League; Member-Zeta Phi Beta Sorority, Inc., Metropolitan YWCA Board Member; McFarland Branch YWCA Board; McFarland YWCA Membership Committee; Area Chairwoman-United Way; Member, Commander's Advisory Committee-TAFB; Tinker AFB Management Club; Board of Director's-Fay Cemetery Association; Assistant Leader-Camp Fire Girls; Athletic Director-Corpus Christi Catholic School; Multi-Sport Coach-Corpus Christi Catholic School; PTA President-Corpus Christi Catholic School; Band Booster Club President-Corpus Christi Catholic School, a regular contributing writer to "The Black Dispatch (1950's & 1960's)," and held an active membership in a host of other organizations and clubs. Alma enjoyed flower gardening, making floral arrangements, sewing, reading, public speaking, jazz/big band music, dancing, and studying the piano.
She was the daughter of Wyatt T. Swain, Jr. (aka B.F. (Benita) Swain), and Effie Fay James. Alma was the oldest of Swain's twelve children. Swain would later marry Roberta Thompson. To this union, eleven children were born. Alma's siblings were as follows: Edna James Edwards, Rosie James, Vermell Swain Robinson, Lenice Swain Hilliard, Laninier Swain, Armentha Swain Young, Jesse James, Frank James Jr., Edmond James, Jefferson Sancho, Bennie Swain, Clyde Swain, Lopaz Swain, Pedro Swain, Montevenus Swain, Estaveon Swain, and Costell Swain. All family, children and descendants would remain close to this day. Alma would pass away on Friday November 14, 1980, after a brief and sudden illness. She was the mother of two children.
The "Alma E. Gaines, Chapter#132," OES/PHA, State of Oklahoma Jurisdiction, was organized/named in her honor.
Cited Information was included from the following source:
Tinker Take-Off (Periodical), Vol.32, No. 47, Oklahoma City, OK, Friday, November 29, 1974.
Family Members
Parents
