Madame Doris Jean Gales

DORIS JEAN GALES was born on December 29,1939, in Boykins, Virginia to Lazarus Henry Futrell and Fannie Mae Futrell predeceased. She was the middle child of five children. She took her flight on the wings of the morning of January 10, 2024, and sailed through the Heavens to answer the voice of her Heavenly Father whom she adored and worshipped. “Blessed are the dead which die in the LORD from henceforth… that they may rest from their labours: and their works do follow them.” (Revelations 14:13) Madame Gales was educated at Rufner Middle School and graduated from Booker T. Washington High School. She began her Christian journey at a young age and received salvation after hearing the words “For the wages of sin is death but the gift of God is eternal life through Jesus Christ our Lord “(Romans 6:23). She was given talents and the gift of singing with a voice that reached methodical musical notes into the Heavens, with her favorite songs “How Great Thou Art” and “Precious Lord”. She sung with the Family Group, The Curtis Gospel Singers. Madame Gales served faithfully in church always being mindful and compassionate of others at Ebenezer Church of God in Christ under Pastor D. Harvey Dunlap. She also served as a Missionary in the Chesapeake and Berkley Districts in the 2nd Jurisdiction Church of God in Christ. And was later called to the office of Prophetess in the Good Shepherd International Miracle Center under Chief Apostle Howard L. Gales Sr. A love story began when she was introduced thousands of miles away to a Coast Guardsman, Howard Larue Gales. They would often write beautiful love letters to each other as they awaited the day they would be united in marriage as one. “Hello, Doris, I miss you. Did you get the ring?” Your Sweetheart, Larue. The wait was over when they were joined in Holy Matrimony on August 17, 1963, in Ketchikan, Alaska. From that moment Madame Doris Gales would dedicate her life to being a faithful military wife and homemaker. Their love story and marriage would continue and blossom for 60 years. And to their union would be four beautiful children Tanya, Tarena, Stephanie, and Howard Jr. Her husband Minister Howard Gales Sr. then would become Elder Howard Gales Sr. and he began pastoring in California. Madame Gales was licensed as a missionary and carried out the duties of her calling as a First Lady. She would work with her hands by cleaning the church and teaching Sunday School. She had grown fond of crafts and had mastered crocheting by creating blankets, ponchos, hats, scarves, etc. Her hands were blessed and anointed. She would prepare meals with the taste of flavors that touched the soul for the church members. She cooked with passion and the love of God. She frequently had Friday Night Bible study with her children at home teaching them about holiness while her husband was performing military duties at the Lighthouse on Angel Island, CA. Madame Gales never stopped serving even until her passing. She was an extraordinary Woman of God, Prayer Warrior, and Woman of Great Faith. She continued teaching men, women, boys, and girls everywhere about Jesus, holy living, and righteousness. Serving in various capacities such as the First Lady of Good Shepherd Church of God in Christ, 1979, which was later changed to Good Shepherd International Miracle Center and as President of the Mother’s Board and Prayer & Bible Band. She took to heart and displayed (Romans 12:1 – “I beseech brethren by mercies of God that ye present your bodies as a living sacrifice, holy acceptable unto God which is your reasonable service”. She always greeted the saints in her royal welcomes with her favorite scripture, “I will bless the Lord at all times and his praises shall continually be in my mouth” (Psalm 34:1). She was a faithful and supernatural giver in supporting her Pastor and Church. She was called by many as “Gales National Bank” never gave small but big. She would save money and assist others in giving to family and friends resources to bless the ministry and help meet life crises. Madame Doris Gales leaves to cherish and honor her memories Chief Apostle Howard L. Gales Sr. (husband), four children, Tanya Hopkins (predeceased), Tarena J. Caffee. (Ricky C.) of Virginia Beach, VA, Stephanie White (Ricky W.) of Va. Beach, VA, Howard L. Gales Jr. (Lakishia) of Va. Beach, VA. Siblings Moncure Futrell, Shirley Dickerson, Lloyd Futrell (predeceased), and Trudy Spady (predeceased). A host of Grandchildren, great grandchildren, nieces, nephews, great nieces, great nephews, cousins, and friends.

Madame Doris Jean Gales

December 29, 1939 - January 10, 2024