Carene Alice Williams Greene, 95, of Blackshear passed away Sunday, September 14, 2025, at home, surrounded by her loved ones.
A Time to Be Born
She was born in Telfair County June 30, 1930. Her parents were the late Columbus Williams and Mollie Boney Williams. She was the eldest of three siblings: Carene, Laurine and Bobbie.
A Time to Live
She received her early education from Lee Street Elementary School and graduated high school from Gillespie-Selden Institute in Cordele in 1948. Later, she matriculated to South Carolina State College in Orangeburg, South Carolina. With a vision for entrepreneurship, she pursued becoming a master cosmetologist. Out of that passion, she founded Greene’s Beauty Salon and Boutique in Blackshear —a business that reflected both her skill and her determination. In addition to her entrepreneurial endeavors, she was also employed at King Edward Cigar Factory, contributing her talents with dedication and grace.
A Time to Love
Carene met the love of her life and soulmate, Raymond Greene, in Waycross. Their union was a true partnership, built on love, faith, and devotion. The couple was blessed to share 52 years of marriage, a bond that remained steadfast through life’s joys and challenges. To this union, two children were born: Raymond Harold Greene and Sharon LaKay Greene who were the pride and joy of their lives.
A Time to Serve
At the age of 12, she became a member of the Greater St. James A.M.E. Church. During that time, she participated in the Sunday School, Junior Choir and Usher Board. Her many positions included superintendent of the Sunday school, missionary society member, pastor’s aid board member, senior choir president, steward board pro tem, Old Georgia Conference Lay Organization District First Vice President, district lay president and historiographer, president of the Waycross District Choir and general conference delegate, 1980-1996. Carene loved the Lord and loved working in the church.
Her deep Christian values and unwavering faith inspired her lifelong commitment to service. She became actively involved in numerous organizations dedicated to the betterment of her community and society at large. Among her many roles, she was a founding member and past president of the Gardenia Club, an organization dedicated to civic and community service, youth, education and meeting people’s needs. She served as program coordinator for NAACP Fundraisers, worked with voter registrars and was an active member of the Local and Southeast Private Industry Counsel Authority Committees. She also served as president of the P.T.A. and was a member of the Pierce County School Local School Advisory Council (LSAC).
Beyond her formal leadership, she found great joy in one of her favorite ministries—visiting and caring for the sick and shut-in. Whether through community service or personal outreach, she lived out her faith with humility, compassion and dedication.
In every role she held, she was guided by a philosophy that reflected both her spirit of unity and her reliance on God: “I cannot lead unless you follow me, I cannot follow unless you lead me, but if we walk side by side, together we can accomplish all things with God.”
A Time to Leave
A beautiful life came to a peaceful close Sunday, September 14, 2025, at her home, surrounded by her loved ones. In addition to her parents, she was preceded in death by her loving husband, Raymond Greene, her beloved son, Raymond H. Greene, and her adored sister, Laurine Williams Taylor.
A Time to Rejoice
She deeply loved her family, friends and all of mankind. She was both a leader and a teacher, opening her home and her heart to countless people throughout her life. With compassion, dedication, and a true spirit of service, she touched and transformed many lives, leaving behind a legacy of love that will never be forgotten.
She leaves precious memories to a devoted family including her daughter, Sharon LaKay Greene, Duluth; grandson, Captain Kyle Matthew McPherson Greene (Kara), Marietta; great granddaughter, Kapri Rosa Greene, Marietta; sister, Bobbie (Melvin) Johnson; adopted sister, Patricia Tuggle; brother-in-law, Reginald R. Taylor Jr.; nieces, Louise D. Johnson, Lawrenceville; Mrs. Robyn T. Moore (Kenneth), Doraville; great-nephew, Lieutenant Junior Grade M. Tyler Johnson, Norfolk, VA, great-nieces, Taylor M. Moore, Athens and Kourtney N. Moore, Doraville, great-great nephews, Kiyan Johnson and Eli Johnson, Norfolk, VA; god-daughter, A’Bresha Howard, Bristol; adopted sons, Curtis Golden, Ricky McNair, Tampa, FL, Russell Tyson, McDonough, Lee Tyson, Isaac E. Moses, Valdosta, and Earl Frederick, other relatives and a host of sorrowing friends.
Services will be held sat 3 p.m. Saturday, September 20, from the Greater St. James AME Church, 626 Cherry Street, Blackshear.
Interment will follow in Shiloh Cemetery in Blackshear.
Fluker Funeral Home of Waycross is in charge of arrangements.
