Mr. Johnny L. Greene

Johnny Louis Greene was a loving husband, father, brother, uncle, son, and friend. He departed this life on March 19, 2024. Johnny was born in Mineral Springs, AR to the late John Hiawatha and Jessie Lee Greene on June 19, 1944. He was raised in Hot Springs, AR, and was the eldest of seven children. He accepted Jesus Christ as his Lord and Savior at an early age and became a member of Greater St. Paul Missionary Baptist Church in Hot Springs. Johnny had a gift for drawing and painting. After graduating from Langston High School in Hot Springs, Johnny attended Arkansas AM&N (University of Arkansas, Pine Bluff). His passion for art inspired him to major in Art Education. After receiving his Bachelor’s degree, he accepted his first job out of college as an elementary art teacher with the Forrest City School District. He was later placed at the Forrest City High School, where he retired after 30 years of service. He was also the neighborhood school bus driver for many years. After his retirement from the school district, Johnny worked as a bank teller at First National Bank of Eastern Arkansas. He retired in 2006, after nine years of employment. Johnny was also known for painting huge elaborate banners with calligraphy lettering for special occasions, such as birthdays, church events, and wedding anniversaries. Johnny met the love of his life, Brooxine Cross, in 1965, at a college dance. They were soon inseparable. Though he graduated from college in 1966 and had begun his teaching career, Johnny had unfinished business in Pine Bluff. After receiving several paychecks, Johnny hit the road in his new 1966 red Ford Mustang to see the love he left behind. Johnny and Brooxine were married on August 10, 1968, at the Spring Grove Missionary Baptist Church in Haynes, Arkansas. They lived and raised their family in Forrest City, AR. Through their union, they were blessed with two beautiful daughters: LaSaundra and Pennye. Johnny became a member of Spring Grove Missionary Baptist Church, where he served faithfully in many roles. He taught Wednesday Night Bible study and Sunday School for many years before he was ordained as a deacon at Spring Grove in 1997. He was a member of the Spring Grove Male Chorus, where he led songs such as “Where He Leads Me” and “Rough Side of the Mountain”. He also served as the church treasurer for several years. Johnny loved teaching and spreading the gospel. He traveled twice to Uganda with a missionary group from Bellevue Baptist, Cordova TN. He found great joy in teaching the village about Jesus Christ. He joined a local men’s prayer group, which met at 6am every Wednesday morning. The weekly gathering later became known in the community as the Wednesday Morning Prayer Group. He loved the brotherhood he shared with the group and loved to fellowship with Christians from all walks of life. Johnny loved spending time with family and friends, especially when good food was served. Most of all, he loved his role as a grandparent. He treasured the time he was able to spend with his only grandchild, Braeden. Johnny leaves to cherish the good times his devoted wife of 55 years, Brooxine Cross Greene; two daughters, LaSaundra (Mark) Thomas, Frisco, TX and Pennye Greene, Little Elm, TX; one grandson, Braeden Thomas; four brothers, Franklin Greene of Chattanooga, TN, Dwight (Wanda) Greene of Lafayette, LA, Benny (Brenda) Greene of Magnolia, TX and Kenny (Velmar) Greene of Ft. Smith, AR; two sisters, Mae Robinson of Hot Springs, AR and Gale (Randy) Davis of Sherwood, AR; one aunt, Helen Greene of Camden, AR; two sisters-in-law, Shirley Nelms of Memphis, TN and Claudette Clay of Forrest City, AR, and a host of nieces, nephews, cousins and friends.

Mr. Johnny L. Greene

June 19, 1944 - March 19, 2024