Yvonne Lorraine Caines

May 2, 1946 - April 19, 2021

Yvonne Lorraine Caines was born in Newark, New Jersey on May 2, 1946 to the late Joseph James Caines and Wilhelmina Henderson Caines, natives of Saint Christopher (St. Kitts) British West Indies. Yvonne was baptized Roman Catholic and received her First Holy Communion, Confirmation and Holy Matrimony to Henry Chandler at Saint Patrick's Pro-Cathedral in Newark, New Jersey. She completed her elementary education in the Saint Patrick's Parochial School System. Yvonne was raised in the Baxter Terrace Projects, located in the historic "James Street Commons" section of Newark, New Jersey. Growing up with (6) brothers and (2) sisters, Yvonne could be found teaming up with her older brothers in contact sports, court-yard 'fist fights' or just creating fun games and group activities for kids in the neighborhood. Yvonne loved children and oftentimes worked after school taking babysitting jobs. Yvonne was raised in a household of musicians. Her mother Wilhelmina was a band leader/songwriter and vocalist and her father James played guitar and sang in their own Calypso Band. At age 16, Yvonne became interested in playing the piano, she started taking lessons from her Uncle who was a Jazz Pianist & Big Band Leader in Newark. Yvonne found time to sing and play the piano in between practicing her cheerleading routines for the Central High School "Blue Devils". She served as Captain of the pep squad until her graduation. After high school, Yvonne held various jobs in the food service industry. She was employed by a food catering firm in Newark, NJ and held other cafeteria positions within the Port Authority Bus Terminal in New York City. Yvonne had also acquired an interest in operating dry cleaning equipment. She worked alongside her mother for several years at a dry cleaners in Madison, New Jersey. Yvonne continued to work in the professional cleaning industry for many years, expanding her employment history from Daytona Beach, Florida to Syracuse, New York and Bernardsville New Jersey. Around the house, Yvonne loved cooking big meals and inviting plenty of company. For entertainment and recreation, she enjoyed singing, dancing, playing cards, board games & bingo and just relaxing and watching old-time classic movies. She loved family events such as bus rides to amusement parks, outdoor picnics, and attending our own West Indian Heritage 'Calypso Dances'. Yvonne leaves behind her son Andre F. Johnson (6) grandchildren and (3) great grandchildren. A host of nieces, great nephews and nieces, cousins (2) surviving uncles George Phipps and Nathaniel Phipps and (1) Aunt Anna Paul Layton and a host of friends. Yvonne was pre-deceased by, Brothers: Nathaniel "Sonnyboy" Caines (1972); Vincent L. Caines (2005); John Roger Caines (2017) Sisters: Doris Brown Hunter (1989); Barbara C. Staggers Hunter (2011) (husband) Joseph Staggers (1998) Step-Sister: Amelia Alicia Frates Caines (1995) Yvonne struggle with and overcame a lot of health issues and after a long period of in and out of hospitalization. She died peacefully at home. Her surviving brothers are: Michael J. Caines (wife) Geraldine Caines (2001); James C. Caines (wife) Nikki Caines and Charles H. Caines The family wishes to express their sincere gratitude to all of you for your prayers, presence, love, calls, text messages and posts. Never more than now was your kindness needed and more appreciated.