Obituary of Deanna O Greene-Harris

Deanna O’Neill Greene Harris departed this life on March 17, 2021 surrounded by family and friends at her home in Willingboro, NJ at the age of 80. Deanna, affectionately known as “Mom-Mom” was born on December 19, 1940 to the late Virginia Mae and Alexander Anthony O’Neill in Burlington, NJ. Deanna was educated in the Burlington Public School System and graduated from Wilbur Watts High School class of 1958. After High School, Deanna graduated from Wilfred Academy for Cosmetology and spent time working as a Legal Secretary. While Deanna was a Psychiatric Technician by day, she also modeled in her free time. In November 1961, Deanna graced the cover of WAIT magazine after winning their first “Cover Girl” Contest. Later, she was employed by The City of Trenton, where she worked as an Administrative Secretary for the Department of Recreation, Natural Resources and Culture division within City Hall, where she retired after 25 years. Deanna’s pride and joy was her beloved daughter Keara Lee Greene whom she loved and cherished deeply. After her daughter’s untimely passing in 1997, Deanna dedicated her life to raising her two beautiful grandchildren Wayne and Nisherrah, whom she poured all of her love into, as well as her unwavering faith in God. Deanna loved the Lord and was a faithful and diligent worker within the church community. She was a longtime member of El Bethel Baptist Church in Trenton, NJ, where she passionately sang in the Rev. Dr. John A. Gaines Pastor Choir and was involved in various auxiliaries. For the past seventeen years, she was a devoted member of Alpha Baptist Church, where she loved, respected, and appreciated her pastor, Rev. Dr. Danny Eugene Scotton, Sr. She also loved her fellow brothers and sisters in Christ and enjoyed singing with The Adult Choir, Voices in Praise (V.I.P) Choir, rejoicing with the Praise Team and working with the children in Vacation Bible School. She was also a member of The Golden Sisters in Christ, in which she enjoyed creating centerpieces and making flower arrangements to decorate the fellowship hall when they hosted special events. Deanna was known for her creativity and artistic ability. She enjoyed sewing, creating costumes, and displaying signs featuring her elaborate handwriting, which was more than meets the eye. Deanna’s craftiness will live on through her grandson Wayne who is a renowned Tattoo Artist in Bay St. Louis. Deanna also had a passion for fashion and a flamboyant personality which was bestowed upon her granddaughter Nisherrah, which shows through her unique flair for style. Deanna loved her family deeply and enjoyed bringing them together for holiday gatherings and summer barbecues. Deanna was blessed to live an abundant life. She was a woman that is admired for her strength, faith, beauty, and grace. A selfless woman, with a big heart. She loved unconditionally and was always willing to help in any way possible. She would give you the scarf off her neck or the hat right off her head simply because giving, truly made her heart happy. She loved serving the Lord and using her gift of singing to glorify and magnify the mighty name of Jesus. Deanna was a 10 year breast cancer survivor, who took on her battle gracefully; her faith never wavered and her voice never shook because she knew “her help cometh from the Lord”. Her love of God showed through her recitation of bible scriptures, her encouraging words and ability to maintain her sense of humor during difficult times, which could always uplift your spirits. Just to see her infectious smile was enough for you to know that you were loved, and everything would be alright. Deanna was predeceased by her parents, Virginia Mae and Alexander Anthony O’Neill;daughter, Keara Lee Greene; husband, Calvin E. Harris; and two sisters, Joan V. Matlock and Alexis O’Neill Brown. She leaves to cherish her precious memory: grandson, Wayne A. Greene (Cheri);granddaughter, Nisherrah D. Greene; sister, Barbara J. Myers (Alfred); aunt, Lois “Aunt Pleasant” O’Neill Tucker; great grandchildren; Jett Lee, Romeo Anthony, Ross Alexander; her nieces and nephews; Donna, Douglas “Tony”, Dana, Alfred “Jake”, Nicole; her adored great niece, Monica Matlock-Tibbs (Richard), Christiana Mimms, who was like her God daughter; very special friends Gwen Gambrell, Lucy Gresham, Corrine Ackles, Stephanie Cunningham(Jermer), Mike Orndorff, and a host of nieces, nephews, cousins, church family and friends whom loved her dearly.