Audrey Rainey

Audrey Rainey, age 92, transitioned peacefully, surrounded by some of her loved ones on July 8th, 2023 at New Aldaya Lifescapes, after surviving a stroke. Audrey was born on February 8th, 1931 in Ruleville, Mississippi to Hernando and Virdia "MaDear" Bibbs. Her family were sharecroppers, fighting tooth and nail to make ends meet. As kids growing up together, in the same area, one of her neighbors found a fascination with Audrey. Dave Rainey started courting Audrey as early teenagers. The two wed by the time they were 16 and 15, respectively. After the birth of their first three kids together, the Bibbs and Rainey's packed their things together and joined in the Great Transmigration to the Midwest states.

Having some key and very influential spiritual giants in her life – Reverend Mother Consuella York, Mother Agatha Avery, Mother Lily Burnside and "MaDear" herself, Audrey was destined to become a spiritual giant within Waterloo, the state of Iowa and honestly, throughout this country. Other key spiritual Elders to her were Ira Battle, B.J. Fizer, and David Robinson. Audrey modeled what it means to be a Christ follower. As the COGIC movement was gaining popularity and growth within the black church, Audrey rose to the ranks of "Mother" and traveled throughout the country participating in and leading the charge as one of it's most impactful influencers. When one of her own children, Dr. David Rainey, heeded God's bidding to start "The Gift", Audrey followed and was one of the key initial founding members of the church. As this church started to become stronger and membership increased, Audrey took the term "Mother" to a whole new level. She was not just the mother of her own seven biological kids, Audrey started to become a spiritual mother and mentor to literally hundreds of people. One of Audrey's superhero traits was, while you were speaking with her, you were the only person on the entire planet that mattered at that time-no matter how she was personally feeling. This allowed her to truly spread Christ's influence to the world.

She is survived by Lee (Kathy) Rainey, son, of Minneapolis, MN; Dorothy Rainey, daughter, of Cedar Falls, IA; Andrew (Barb) Rainey, son, of Princeton, TX; David (Gladys) Rainey, son, of Waterloo, IA; Elizabeth (Terry) Anderson, daughter, of Waterloo, IA; Willie (Tracy) Rainey, son, of Minneapolis, MN; and Marcellus (Cari) Rainey, son, of Dallas, TX. She has 16 grandchildren: Kris (Chad) Jacobson, Michelle (Charlie) Livingston Thorstad, Heather Rainey, Antonio (LaToiya) Mays, Andrae' Rainey, Nicole (Adam) Denniston, Maurice (Valerie) Rainey Williams, Donita Brandon, Jason (Diana) Rainey, Portia Rainey, Charles Mays, Hernando Rainey, Zackary (Emily) Rainey, Marcellus "James" Rainey II, Stacia Rainey, and Alyssa Rainey. She has 17 great grandchildren: Jordan Snipes, Kyndall Mays, Mikaela, Chance and Isabella Jacobson, Chasen, Jayden, and Shylah Livingston, Mateo and Nevaeh Rainey, Lola and Nova Denniston, Maurice Jr., Gabriel, Valencia, Luke, and Carter Williams. In addition, she is survived by seven beloved sisters – Dorris, Lulu, Everlean, Jesse, Irene, Priscilla, and Linnie, plus many special nieces and nephews, as well as a special "adopted" daughter, Evelyn DeKoster.

She is preceded in death by her parents; her husband, Dave Rainey; brothers, John Walter, William McKinley, Arthur, Thomas and Curtis; and beloved grandson, Charles Devonte' Mays. She is reunited with them in heaven, celebrating and worshipping with our living Lord Jesus!