Deacon James Greene, Jr.

It is with sorrow that the management and staff of Mitchell-Josey Funeral Home, Inc. announces the peaceful transition of Deacon James Greene, Jr., better known as Junior. Junior transitioned on Friday, August 27, 2021 at Carolina Pines Regional Medical Center following an illness. 

Celebration of Life will be 10:00AM on Thursday, September 2, 2021 in the Church Yard of Lee Street Church of God.  Interment will follow in Darlington Memorial Cemetery. Please adhere to mask wearing and social distancing during the service.  At the request of the family, please honor their personal space and no hugging or touching while at this service. 

In light of the worldwide occurrences dealing with the outbreak of COVID-19, the family would like to have hours of visitation and burial services reserved for immediate family. 

Obituary

“I have fought a good fight, I have finished my course, I have kept the faith.”                                                                                                           II Timothy 4:7

    Deacon James Greene, Jr. was born on April 29th, 1933 the first-born son of the late James "Sonny" Greene, Sr. and Ruth Yarborough Greene.  He entered into his eternal rest on Friday evening, August 27th, 2021 at Carolina Pines Regional Medical Center in Hartsville, South Carolina. 

    Deacon Greene received his formal education in the Darlington County Schools, however, it was the skills his father taught him, which allowed him to become one of the successful black farmers in the community.  From okra to collard greens, corn, to wheat, to his famous truckloads of watermelons - Junior Greene, truly had a "Greene Thumb!"

   He was affectionately called, “Junior”, by family and friends. It was also here in Darlington County, where James met and married the former Miss Elizabeth Jacobs.  In 1955, they relocated to New Haven, CT where he worked as a laborer for many years.  However, after time, his roots beckoned him back to South Carolina.  This is when he began perfecting his farming career.  That was not enough though, James Greene Jr. was a hardworking man and became employed with the American Can Company, also known as Dixie Cup and Plate Plant. He remained employed there until retirement.

   At a young age, Deacon Greene joined and was a very active member of the Lee Street First Church of God.  He was a lover of music and song as well as a faithful member of the Lee Street Church of God Quartet.  Music was a vital part of his life and he shared his gift to all that would listen. He also served as a Lee Street First Church of God Trustee, Brotherhood, and Mass Choir.  His work ethic, personality and warm smile will be missed.

     Those left to cherish his memory are: his wife of 66 years, Elizabeth Jacobs Greene of the home; his children: Nancy Cain, Phyllis (Edward M.) Scott, Yvonne Greene, Jonathan (Vanessa S.) Greene, Richard Greene, Robin (Tommy) Jones, Allison Carraway and Christa (Jerry) McAllister; a sister, Anne  Burgess of Hamden, CT; a host of grandchildren, great-grandchildren, nieces, nephews, cousins, close family and friends.

Deacon James Greene Jr. was preceded in death by his parents, sister: Mary Louise Greene, brother - Therodgers "Doc" Greene, and two sons-in-law: Carl Cain and Sgt. Terrence F. Carraway.

Further details will be announced by Mitchell-Josey Funeral Home and the family of Deacon James Greene, Jr. 

Please keep the family of Deacon Greene in your thoughts and prayers. 

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