Mr. Jonathan Boyd Greene

It is with profound sorrow that the management and staff of Mitchell-Josey Funeral Home, Inc. and members of the Greene family announces the sudden passing of Mr. Jonathan Boyd Greene. Mr. Greene passed on Tuesday, October 26, 2021 in McLeod Regional Medical Center following a brief illness.

Celebration of Life is 1:00PM on Monday, November 1, 2021 in Cemetery of The Church in the Lord Jesus Christ of the Apostles’ Doctrine, Inc. Interment will follow in the church cemetery. Please adhere to social distancing and mask wearing for this service. 

The Life and Legacy of Jonathan Boyd Greene, Sr.

    Jonathan Boyd Greene, Sr. was born June 29, 1959, the fourth child of Elizabeth Jacobs Greene and the late James Greene, Jr. in New Haven, Connecticut. He departed life in the earthly realm on Tuesday, October 26, 2021 at McLeod Regional Medical Center in Florence, South Carolina.

    “Johnny”, as he was affectionately called, received his formal education in Darlington County School District. He played high school football and basketball. In 1977, he graduated from St. John’s High School and went on to receive his Associates degree in Auto-Diesel Mechanics from Florence-Darlington Technical College. While a student at FDTC, he worked part-time at UPS (United Parcel Service) and Massey-Ferguson Tractor Company. After graduating, he continued working with UPS and Best-Ever Janitorial Service. 

    He met the love of his life, Vanessa Strickland, and later began dating, in 1979. The two became one on November 30, 1984. After marriage, he became employed as a full-time truck driver at UPS, for which he served nearly 30 years while maintaining an upstanding driving record. From their union came three children. 

    Johnny was baptized in the name of the Lord Jesus Christ shortly after marriage and was a member of The Church of the Lord Jesus Christ of the Apostles’ Doctrine, Inc. until his departure. Aside from his wife and children, the loves of his life were music and his grandchildren, Emari and Elani Ayalingo. He enjoyed spending time with them and would entertain them by reading stories with puppets and all!! 

    Johnny was very honest, dependable and willing to help others. He was a beloved husband, devoted father, son, brother and friend. His hobbies included fishing, bowling, and reading. He was crafty with his hands and would build small projects in his free time. He enjoyed fellowshipping with his family and friends, especially “the class of 1977,” valuing every moment he spent making memories.  

    Those left to cherish his memory are: his wife of nearly 37 years, Vanessa Strickland Greene of the home; his children: Ebony (Bright) Ayalingo (Charlotte, NC); Amanda “Mandy” Greene (Columbia, SC) and Jonathan Greene, Jr. (Pawleys Island, SC); a special adoptive son, Zavyon (Keyra) Pearson of Florence, SC; his grandchildren: Emari Avalingo and ElaniAvalingo; special adoptive grandson, Adrian Pearson; his siblings: Nancy Cain, Phyllis (Edward M.) Scott, Yvonne Greene, Richard Greene, Robin (Tommy) Jones, Allison Carraway and Christa (Jerry) McAllister; his best friend,Timothy Cotton; a host of nieces, nephews, cousins and friends. 

He was preceded in death by: his father, James Greene Jr. and two brothers-in-law: Carl Cain and Sgt. Terrence Carraway.

Please keep family and friends of Mr. Jonathan Greene in your thoughts and prayers. 

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