Virginia May Greene

Who can find a virtuous woman? We found her in Virginia (Ginny) May Greene (nèe Brown.) Ginny was born the seventh of ten children to the late Richard Plummer Brown and Martha Pearl Brown on July 28th, 1939 in Richmond County, Virginia. Ginny attended and graduated from the Richmond County School System in 1957. She gained her wings after a four-year battle with dementia on April 13th, 2021. Virginia joined the Mulberry Baptist Church in Farnham, Virginia. She participated in church activities especially her favorite pastime, singing. She had a beautiful, melodic, soprano voice that she didn’t mind sharing with others. On May 21st, 1960, she married the love of her life: Rev. Albert C. Greene, Sr. and relocated to Baltimore, MD. Their union was blessed with seven children. She supported her husband as first lady at Pleasant Grove Freewill Baptist Church, Paradise Baptist, and Greater Mulberry Baptist Church. She actively participated on the usher board, trustee board, and in any other capacity necessary. Virginia took pride in her home and always strived to set an example for others to follow in the neighborhood. A nurturer at heart, she was always concerned that everyone was happy and full. Best known for her potato salad and “Apple Brown Betty,” she had several signatures dishes that always brought you back for more. Although she never gave herself the credit of vast intelligence, her wisdom taught generations to love unconditionally, be kind and be loyal. Her words were soft but honest. She had a way of making everyone laugh just because she was laughing. Her giggle contagious and her smile bright, she showed us all how to find the funny in anything. Proverbs 31:27: She opened her mouth with wisdom and in her tongue was the law of kindness. With a house already full, Virginia’s home and table were always open to anyone in need. After all their biological children had grown and started lives of their own, Albert and Virginia decided to take in over 100 children through Baltimore City Foster Care. They were directly responsible for the permanent adoption of at least 10 of their foster children. It wasn’t until her husband’s and her own health demanded that she retire from raising children in 2013 that they stopped fostering. Proverbs 31:28: Her children arise up and call her blessed. After retiring from childcare, Virginia dedicated her life to taking care of her ailing husband until his Earthly departure in November 2016. In 2017, she began to display signs of dementia. Even through her battle with memory loss she began to enjoy vacations with her daughters, spending time with her great-grandchildren and laughed every chance she got. She often reminded us all “gotta laugh to keep from crying.” She loved spending time with her family, often bragging when all her children were together in one place. On May 14th, 2009 she lost her son, Rev. T. Tyrone Greene. While the loss of her husband and son was difficult for her, she continued to be a pillar of courage and strength for her family even as she transitioned from Earth to Heaven. On April 13, 2021, she took her final breath trying to tell her daughters that she loved them. She was surrounded by all of her children, grandchildren and many of her great-grandchildren. Her final days were celebrated with love, good food and as much laughter as the family could muster. Proverbs 31:29: Many daughters have done well, but you excelled them all. To continue her legacy of loving kindness she leaves: 8 children: Altoria Greene, Linda Greene, Sherry Harrison (Marvin, Sr.), Albert Greene, Jr., Julie Greene, Crystal Johnson (Lennard, Sr.,), Dexter Greene, Davonta Greene, 4 Bonus Children; Edna Isaac, Joyce Sanders (James), Glenn Roscoe-Greene, and LaTrenda Winston, 16 Grandchildren: Clarence, Nikia (Tavon), Keenan (Taylor), Cory, Tiane, Tezhina (Derrick), Ellyse, Quierra, Lennard, II, Takira, Sherry, Maya, Cydney, Jordan, Dominick and Donae. 27 Great-Grandchildren and a host of bonus grandchildren, and great-grandchildren. 3 sisters: Edna Cousins, Ruby Meade, Delores Jackson, and Lois Reed. And a host of nieces, nephews, cousins and friends.

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Virginia May Greene

July 28, 1939 - April 13, 2021