Deaconess Irene Elizabeth Johnson

The Life of Deaconess Irene Elizabeth Johnson

“Let your light so shine before men, that they may see your good works and glorify your Father which in heaven.” Matthew 5:16

On Thursday, May 22, 2025, our beloved Deaconess Irene Elizabeth Whitney Greene Johnson transitioned at Sentara Norfolk General Hospital, Norfolk Virginia.

Deaconess Johnson was born to the late Robert Whitney, Sr., and Mrs. Juanita Warren Whitney on January 13, 1945, and was educated in the Sussex Central School System. She was compassionate and loved people which was a perfect fit in her employment as a Caretaker, Health Aide and Companion for Social Services.

Nothing pleased Deaconess Johnson more than her love for the Lord and her family. Her grands and great grandchildren were the apple of her eyes. For over forty years melodious strains from her hands were heard on the piano. Many area churches benefited from her work as a church musician. In March 2023 Mars Hill AME Zion Church, Wakefield, Virginia honored her service.

Deaconess Johnson believed in doing and dressing her best for the Lord. She was a Diva for sure and carried her ever so slight smile wherever she went. Her outfits always featured matching “church” hats. Her life’s journey faced many tests and trials. Her strong faith saw her through. She never gave up on God. She worked and worshipped assembling with the saints as mandated in Hebrews 10:25 until she was called home. She and her daughter Lisa were at the Women’s Day Service at Sandy Mount Baptist Church in Smithfield, Virginia on May 18, 2025, giving the Lord praise.

Irene was preceded in death by her husband William H. Greene, Sr. and her son Tony S. Greene. Also, her parents Robert Whitney, Sr. and Juanita Whitney; her siblings Robert Whitney, Jr., Rebecca Griffen, Gracie Whitney, Doris Whitney, and Charles Whitney.

Irene is survived by her three children William H. Greene, Jr. (Sherlene), Carlton Lewis Greene, and Lisa Hawkins (Emery); her four grandchildren Adrienne Pusey (Troy), Alicia Kindred, Jeffrey Hawkins, and Shannon Hawkins; five great grandchildren Marcus Parker, Jr., Marques Parker, Howard Wooden, Adriana Wooden, and Zy’ion Robertson; two bonus grandchildren Angela Harvey and Jerald Randolph, Jr.; five bonus great grandchildren; her siblings Dr. Curtis Whitney (Ruth), Algine Darden (Wilbert), Harvey Whitney (Joyce), James Whitney (Rose), and Albert Whitney; her in-laws Florence Nichols, Thomas Greene (Barbara), Emery Greene (Lucinda) and Jeese Greene and a host of nieces, nephews, and cousins and a special friend John Boykins, Sr.

Our beloved Irene is definitely going to be missed by her children, grandchildren, great-grandchildren, siblings, friends, and her church family and all who knew her as she now rests in God’s beautiful garden.

On Thursday, May 29th viewing will take place from 3-6pm at Shivers Funeral Chapel. A Celebration of Life Service will be held 12pm Friday, May 30, 2025 at Ebenezer Baptist Church, Ivor, 10686 Ivor Road. Interment will follow in the Church Cemetery. Please keep the Whitney-Johnson family in your prayers.