Biography: Carolyn Rakestraw Greene was born on July 17th, 1964, to the late Helen and Herbert Rakestraw. She grew up in the Bedford Stiverson section of Brooklyn N.Y where she attended the first united church of Jesus Christ Apostolic, under the leadership of Bishop Elder Barnes where she was baptized and began her journey with Christ.

As an adult Carolyn moved to Harlem N.Y where she would settle down to raise her three children and eventually meet her future husband Rev. Darryl Greene. In 1995 after meeting her future husband she joined the Fountain Springs Baptist Church under Rev. Nelson C. Dukes Jr. Where she was re-baptized and became a member of the choir. Carolyn believed in letting her faith guide her which led her to become a member of the Greater Zion Baptist Church under the direction of Rev. Marshall Morton Sr. Where she served a faithful member of the usher board. On July 28th, 2012, Carolyn met her soulmate Rev. Darryl Greene.

Carolyn continued to grow in her spiritual journey which led her to her final home Day Spring Baptist Church. Under the guidance of Rev. Lee Crawford where she served as a member of the pastor’s aid. She was able to fulfill her spiritual dreams by completing her degree in Biblical studies and becoming a licensed minister.

Carolyn also served as a faithful member in the order of the Eastern star where she was crowned as queen several times during her time serving and built a lifelong sisterhood. Through it all Carolyn’s focus was family; Carolyn opened her home and heart to so many children, family as well as friends. Carolyn was always a person who put the needs of others before herself even until the very end. In the end Carolyn was surrounded by family, friends, and loved ones. She leaves behind a husband Darryl Greene; 3 sisters Yolanda, Helen, and Patricia; 1 brother Jerome; 4 daughters; Kiki (Keisha), Seasia, Kanika, and Nicole; 1 son Avery; 5 nephews Clifton, Kendell, Tyson, Tony, Ronnie, and Michael; 4 nieces Justice, Jade Jada, and Liz; 2 grandsons Darius and Justin; 1 granddaughter Nene (Jozie); 1 great-grandson King; 2 best friends Donna Wright, and Janice Lynch; and a host of grand nieces and nephews. 

Carolyn’s Love will forever live within us.