Thelma M. Cain

Thelma M. Cain was called home on Dec. 3, 2016. Funeral services will be conducted by Bishop Alton Gatlin on Saturday, Dec. 10, at the Greater Mt. Zion Baptiste Church in Crowley. Interment will be in West Crowley Cemetery.
Thelma M. Cain was born Aug. 29, 1930, to the union of the late Eulice and Evangeline Matthews in New Orleans. As a child she was taught divine percepts and given spiritual guidance by her parents. She met, Rogers Cain, who later became her husband on Aug. 18, 1948, and father of their children, Linda C. Badon and Charles E. Cain. They resided in Crowley for 44 years, and moved to Lake Charles in 1991. When she moved to Lafayette in 2015, she united with the Gethsemane Church of God in Christ.
The Godly principles instilled in Mother Cain led her to commit her life to Christ as a young woman. She was a member of Morning Star Baptist Church in Midland, and in 1948 she united with First Church of God in Christ in Crowley. She served diligently as a young woman under the pastorate of Elder Leroy Winbush, and later under the pastorate of Bishop Roy L.H. Winbush. She served faithfully as a Deacon’s wife, Sunday School teacher, Sunshine Band leader, member of Ushers Board, YWCC member and on numerous appointments to committees. She served with her husband, Superintendent Rogers Cain, as First Lady at the Philadelphia Church of God in Christ in Mossville, and Freeman Memorial Church of God in Christ in Lake Charles. Mother Thelma Cain took her responsibly as First Lady seriously. She led by example, taught the women of the local church and the district. She chaired the Ministers and Deacons Wives Committee. Mother Cain chaired the First Jurisdiction Hospitality Committee. Mother Cain was the epitome of hospitality. She loved serving people and she took great pride in serving everyone with the highest level of respect and grace. In 2003, she united with Saints Memorial Church of God in Christ where she served faithfully. After moving to Lafayette, she united with the Gethsemane Church of God in Christ.
In 1956, Mother Cain assisted her husband as they started their first business, Cain’s Slaughter House, in Crowley. After 15 years, they opened a second business, Cain’s Meat Market. She also worked as a teacher’s aide for the Acadia Parish Shelter for Children with disabilities. After 35 years in business, they retired and dedicated their time to ministry.
She leaves to celebrate her life and cherish her memory her children, Linda C. Badon and her husband Ronnell B. Badon of Lafayette; her son, Charles E. Cain and his wife Linda H. Cain of Crowley; four grandchildren, Timica Ceasar (Darrell), Robin Brookter (Bryant), Nicole Cain (Melvecchio Guidry) and Jennifer Badon; eight great-grandchildren, Darrell Ceasar Jr., Bryana Ceasar, Cornelius Cain Jr., Cole and Haley Brookter, Jasmyn and Kaitlyn Guidry and Jeremi and Jordan Brookter; one great-great-granddaughter, Kenberlynn Robinson; one adopted granddaughter, Chavonne Scott; six sisters-in-law, Viola Wright, Rosa Mae Williams, Viola Cain, Ann Bryant (and sister/cousin), Beatrice Cain, Mary Ann Cain, Judy Cain; godsons, Magellan Deville of Sunset and Donnie Williams of Lake Charles; and a host of cherished nieces, nephews, cousins, and friends.
She was preceded in death by her loving husband, Superintendent Rogers Cain; her grandson, Cornelius Rogers Cain; her parents, Eulice and Evangeline Matthews; five brothers-in-law and three sisters-in-law.
The family extends its gratitude to the doctors and staff of Lafayette General Hospital especially Dr. Brown, Dr. Rosson, Dr. Tyler Bellelo, Dr. Raphael Higginbotham for the excellent care provided throughout this difficult period.