Rita Greene

Our dear sister, RITA GREENE, daughter of the late Rita Greene and Edward C. Greene Jr. was born on August 25, 1961 in Baltimore, Maryland. Rita peacefully left us on November 15, 2024. Preceding her in death were both her parents Rita and Edward C. Greene Jr., sister Nancy L. Wilkens Smith, brothers Stanley Wilkens and Ralph L. Wilkens, life partner Elwood Veney. Our mom knew that her twelfth baby was special and decided that she would be her namesake. It was at that moment the two Ritas came to be. Our sister Rita not only carried our mother’s name, but she was the spitting image of Mama. Yes, this beautiful baby girl with fair skin and sandy brown hair had stolen all of our hearts as our newborn baby sister. We affectionately called her ‘RiRi’ or ‘Lil Rita’. It was heartwarming to still hear this baby girl who grew to be a beautiful confident woman called ‘RiRi’ throughout her adult years. It was an audible and loving reminder that she is the baby sister and will always hold that space in our lives and hearts. Rita received her education in Baltimore City Public Schools. Even at an early age, Rita was a very caring child. Her concern for people continued throughout her adult life. She took a special interest in the elderly, whom she lovingly cared for while working as a nursing assistant. Rita could always sympathize with those whose plight in life was difficult. She was truly empathetic towards people because she could personally relate to the struggles and curveballs that life often throws our way. Her empathy oftentimes moved her to express her desire to support organizations, such as, Save The Children. Rita’s concern for others was also evident in her relationships with her siblings, especially her sisters with whom she had a close bond. Rita had daily conversations with her sisters. On any given day, she would have one or more of her sisters, delivering her favorite foods or snacks. Although Rita loved fast food, nothing pleased her more than a home-cooked meal and a slice or two of sweet potato pie on the side. Rita was not only particular about the food that she wanted to satisfy her hearty appetite, she was equally particular about her appearance. Rarely was she seen without her nails and toenails polished, while rocking a cute pair of sandals in the summertime . She made sure that her sisters kept her with a good supply of her favorite hair gel, so that her hair was always styled. Yes, Rita’s personal appearance was very important to her. However, it was the internal changes she strived to work at each day that defined the infinitely strong woman she became. We have always been proud of her effort to do the work internally that would benefit her, and most importantly to succeed at it. Though she struggled as a teenage mom, she desired that her kids would have the best possible future. One of her greatest joys later in life was knowing her sons were successful young men, as certainly her daughter would be. To witness them forging a bond together as siblings warmed her heart. She also could see the great and loving fathers, uncles, mother and aunt, they were to her grandchildren. The loss of our baby sister Rita, our mother‘s namesake, is profoundly felt by us each day. We are so grateful to have had a front row seat to her life journey. She will be greatly missed as a mother, sister, aunt, cousin, and friend. Special Thanks and Acknowledgements Our family would like to express beyond gratitude to Rosalie (Rosie) and Tyrone Wells, for their love, dedication and compassion on all levels, during Rita’s very lengthy and final days of illness. Heartfelt thanks to Clifford Wilkens, Stewart Nash and Terrance Veney, for remaining active and on-call as needed, especially to arrange heavy furniture for her medical care comfort, in addition to running errands and providing meals, such as DoorDash, as needed. Words cannot express our sincere gratitude to Tina Wilkens and crew (Catering Services), and Endya Rice (Florist), for your heartfelt love, genuine care and kindness you’ve always extended to Rita, throughout the years, and especially to our entire family at this difficult time. The family would also like to extend a special thanks to Paulette Snowden and Gwen McClain, friends who lovingly assisted Rita. Left to cherish her memory are: her daughter, Natasha Nicole Greene; three sons, Brandon Bilal (Kendra), Christopher E. Bilal, Terrance A. Veney and Tony Veney (her bonus son); granddaughter, Kailani Bilal; grandsons, Brenton Bilal and Terrance A. Veney II; four sisters, Maxine Wall-Scott, Rosalie “Rosie” B. Wells (Tyrone), Sylvia E. Cromwell and Lezlie Faulkner; three brothers, Stewart H. Nash (Jovan), Clifford T. Wilkens (Sharon) and Craig Greene; along with a host of nieces, nephews, cousins and friends who loved Rita dearly

Tributes

Rita Greene

August 25, 1961 - November 15, 2024