Lorenzo Freeman Gaines

Lorenzo Freeman Gaines, affectionately known as “Papi”. was born on November 26, 1975, to the late Deborah Gaines Tatem and the late Jeffrey Shepherd, in Camden, NJ. He was educated in the Camden New Jersey school system and was employed at Port City as forklift supervisor. 18 years ago Lorenzo made Spartanburg SC his home.

 Lorenzo was known as being “The Life of the Party” and his enthusiastic spirit was contagious. He had an uncanny knack for making everyone feel special, as if they were the only person in the room. He was very strong-willed and head strong.  Lorenzo was extremely family oriented, and he didn’t play about his family, in fact, they were his pride and joy. He loved to eat and was even called greedy at times. His favorite color was blue.

He was preceded in death, along with his parents, by stepbrother, Walter Pone and stepsister, Wanda Pone.

Lorenzo’s legacy of love will be cherished and remembered by his loving wife, Lamika Jackson Gaines of the home; sons, Tashon Gaines and Deondre Jackson; daughter, Sasha Utley; brothers, Antwan Tucker, Eric Gaines, and Jeffrey Shepherd, Jr; sisters, Latanya Gaines; stepbrothers, Fisher Pone, James Pone, and Kenneth Davis; stepsister, Renee Allen and Peaches Pennix; mother-in-law, Leanette Wright; aunts, Denise Gaines, Ruby Gaines, and Robbie Vernon; uncles, Lorenzo Freeman Gaines, Gilbert Shepherd, Charles Shepherd, and Ronnie Jackson; nieces, Shamara Shepherd, Anisha Gaines, Ann`Quasha Tucker, Asiyonna Tucker, Antwa-Nasia Tucker, Aaliyah Tucker, Shakera Shepherd, and Angeliyah Tucker; nephews, Antwan Tucker and Asante Tucker; godsisters, Tabatha Vernon and Sabrina Vernon; 19 godchildren; and a host of other nieces, nephews, cousins, other relatives and friends.

On the morning of July 4, 2023, Lorenzo entered eternal rest. His loving, comical, and endearing spirit will be a hallmark for all who loved and knew him. Although his time may seem too brief, his impact was great.

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