Willie Mae Greene

Willie Mae Greene was born in Midville, Georgia, on April 27, 1938. As a young girl, she and her family moved to Florida, where they lived for several years before settling in Asbury Park, New Jersey. Willie Mae later graduated from Neptune High School, a proud milestone for her and her family.

At the age of 14, Willie Mae was baptized under the pastorate of Rev. John H. Ashby and was a former member of Second Baptist Church, where she served faithfully for over 60 years. She was active in many church ministries, including the Senior Choir, the Financial Committee, the Women’s Day Committee, the Church Bulletin Secretary, the Church Directory Committee, and the Second Baptist 3M’s Bowling League.

Bowling was one of Willie Mae’s greatest passions. She began participating in the Women’s International Bowling Congress National Tournament in 1970, later known as the United States Bowling Congress and attended annually in various states across the country. Locally, she was part of many bowling leagues and often held leadership positions as President, Secretary, or Treasurer.

Willie Mae was also deeply committed to her family and community. She was especially supportive and involved in her granddaughters’ lives and education, volunteering her time with the PTA and SPTO at Neptune Elementary and Middle Schools and assisting with the “Project Graduation” Program at Neptune High School. Her granddaughters were the center of her world - she lived for them. She celebrated their achievements, encouraged their dreams, and was always there with love, guidance, and unwavering support.

 When she became a great-grandmother, her heart grew even fuller. Her great-grandchildren brought her immeasurable joy, and this new role gave her life a beautiful sense of purpose in her later years. She cherished every smile, every visit, and every hug, finding in them the legacy of love she had built across generations. Her family was truly her pride and joy, and she poured her heart into them every single day.

Professionally, Willie Mae began her career as a Receptionist/Clerk for E&K Agency in Asbury Park, NJ, from 1958 to 1969. She then joined Bell Labs in Holmdel, NJ, which later became AT&T where she held various positions, including Typist, Mailroom Coordinator, Purchasing Coordinator, and AT&T Product Buyer. After 29 years of dedicated service, she retired in 1998.

Willie Mae was a national member of the AARP and the Local Chapter #3814 and was also an AT&T Pioneer Member.

She was predeceased by her beloved daughter, Leslie L. Johnson. She leaves to cherish her memory three granddaughters: Leah of Scotch Plains, NJ; Kelly of Neptune, NJ; and Mia Emmert (Johnathan) of Albany, NY; five precious great-grandchildren: Elijah, Zion, Azayza, Kelizah, and Xzariah; one sister, Marlene Burgess of Tinton Falls, NJ; one nephew, Gary Proctor of Asbury Park, NJ; great-nephew Jamaal (Kelli) and great-niece Mykia; a devoted cousin, Ethel Byrd of Sarasota, FL; and a host of other relatives and lifelong friends.

Willie Mae will be remembered for her deep faith, her dedication to family and community, her warm and giving spirit, and the legacy of love she leaves behind.

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