Obituary

LYNN RENEA GREENE, the eldest daughter of four sisters born to the late John and Esther Greene, was a native of Philadelphia, Pennsylvania. She was born on January 4, 1950.

When she was eighteen years old the Lord called her mother Esther Greene home to her heavenly resting place. In the absence of her mother, Lynn being the oldest of four siblings, received a special grace to matriarch her family.

At an early age, Lynn's independence and motherly instincts began developing. From a youth, Lynn was known to help out where needed and established herself as an assistant and server to anyone in need.

A graduate of the West Philadelphia Catholic High School, Lynn was a product of the Philadelphia parochial school system. She went on to receive a Bachelor of Science from Temple University in Elementary Education. While working full-time, she earned a Master's in Education Administration from Cheyney University's Graduate School. After her extensive career in youth education, she became an ordained deaconess and reverend of the Christian faith under the Apostolate of St. Francis of Assisi, officiated by Bishop John Thomas Goodwin.

Lynn was the wife of Ronnie Victor Huff and the proud mother of four children Vaughn Taylor, Yonay Taylor, Lynette Ryder (Huff), and Lanitra Josselin (Huff). The family has expanded with the birth of four grandchildren: Zyair, Elijah, Yusef, and Naomi. She was also blessed with sons- and daughters-in-laws: Mr. Frank Ryder, Mrs. Amidal Taylor (Baidoo) and Mr. Woutlais Josselin.

Lynn dedicated over thirty years of service to the School District of Philadelphia as an elementary school teacher. No matter where in the city she went, from the bank to a grocery store, you can hear, "Hello Ms. Greene, do you remember me?" As her former students always stopped and reminded her of who they are, it brought her joy with each loving greeting and knowing they were now productive adults and parents themselves.

When Lynn wasn't teaching in the classroom, she served people by selling life insurance, clothing, household and cosmetic products to supplement her income. She also tutored children, prepared soulful meals, baby sat and provided care for foster youth over the years. Lynn later owned a commercial and residential cleaning business in her thirties and later opened a home childcare business after retiring from teaching.

During Lynn's retirement, she focused on serving her family and maintaining her health to stay active in life and ministry. She organized a children's church for family and friends at her home and at Yonay's residence, supported Lanitra with raising her boys, and presided over Lynette's wedding. She continued to learn through various readings and training courses as well as current events she followed and discussed often with Vaughn. She spent endless hours on the phone with her youngest sister, Arlene, as she did with other loved ones she treated as close family.

Lynn was active throughout her second act in life, traveling to Puerto Rico, Texas, Tennessee, California, Washington, and Ghana to name a few destinations. In 2020, she also managed to successfully move to Columbus, Ohio. Under Yonay's care, with support of Lynn's children, she was strong in the twilight year of her life, defeating pancreatic cancer. She was especially grateful, as she won the victory over a disease her mother suffered 55 years ago.

On Wednesday, November 29, 2023, at the age of 73, Lynn departed this life at Lankenau Medical Center's emergency room in Wynnewood, PA.

Lynn was preceded in death by her sisters: Yvonne Williams and husband Tyrone "Chuck", Carol Phillips and husband Eddie; uncle Samuel Wooten; grandmother, Ethel Wooten; and parents, John and Esther Greene.

In addition to Lynn's husband, four children, two son-in-laws, one daughter-in-law, four grandchildren, she has also left to cherish her memories: her sister Arlene Greene and husband Billy Wade; three nephews: Jameen, Duron and Tyrone; three nieces: Kea, Lacy and Candice; nineteen great nephews and nieces; nine great-great nephews and nieces, and many maternal cousins, including a host of people who thought of Ms. Lynn as a mother, loved one or dear friend.