Scotts Funeral Home | Richmond, VA

Obituary For Delores Greene

Dr. Delores Ann Richburg Greene, of Richmond, was born in Petersburg, Virginia on Wednesday, January 29, 1936 to the union of the late Robert and Mildred Wynn Richburg. On the evening of Monday, April 11, 2022, she transitioned peacefully to be with her Lord, her Love, and her Ancestors. In addition to her parents, she was predeceased by her husband, Dr. Robert Taylor Greene, Sr. Delores began her teaching career as a “pre-schooler,” playing school in her backyard with her young neighbors. Since she wanted all her peers to read, she took it upon herself to teach them, and was always amazed that they allowed her to; in fact they welcomed and enjoyed it. She considered herself a strict teacher, and laughed for many years with her childhood friends and classmates who teased her about those days. Delores Greene started winning academic awards in first grade, and never stopped winning awards. She graduated as Valedictorian of the Peabody High School Class of 1953 in Petersburg, Virginia. She went on to matriculate at Virginia State College (now University), graduating with a bachelor’s degree in Vocal Music Education with Distinction in 1957, and thus began her formal teaching career in Farmville, Virginia. She furthered her studies by earning a master’s degree in Elementary Education in 1965 from Virginia State (also with Distinction), and a Doctorate of Education from the University of Virginia on May 22, 1977, with a concentration in the area of Curriculum and Instruction. In 1960, Delores Ann Richburg wed the love of her life, Robert Taylor Greene, a native of Richmond. They encouraged each other to pursue and achieve their dreams of higher education, obtaining their doctoral degrees, developing outstanding careers, earning the love and respect of others in their profession, and all the while raising a family and mentoring other young educators. Together, they spent over three decades collaborating on programs and activities for underserved youth, but their plans for founding their own school for “at-risk” populations were tragically cut short by Robert’s untimely death in November 1996. As a teacher, Delores worked throughout Virginia, teaching in Portsmouth, Petersburg, Westmoreland County, Charlottesville, Fluvanna County, and Henrico County. In addition to being a music teacher and a reading teacher in Charlottesville and Henrico, she served as a Learning Skills Coordinator. She taught students from first graders to college students to graduate school and doctoral students. She became a Central Office Administrator in Richmond City Public Schools, and for her merit was promoted to the rank of Assistant Superintendent for Elementary Education. Upon her retirement from Richmond City Schools, Dr. Greene was recruited as an adjunct professor at Virginia Union University and was later promoted to Dean of Interdisciplinary Studies and Education. She was subsequently appointed as Dean of the College of Education at Virginia State University, her Alma Mater, from which she retired in August 2014. Dr. Greene had many achievements, awards and accolades during over six decades as an educator, most notably the 1986 UNCF Meritorious Service Award, and the 1994 Richmond Times-Dispatch Community Service Award. In 2000, she was named YMCA Woman of the year for the field of Education. Dr. Greene was a member of several distinctive civic and professional organizations, serving on many Executive Boards, to include the Association for Supervision and Curriculum Development (ASCD), the Virginia Center for Educational Leadership, Co-Founder of the African American Critical Issues Network, Pi Lambda Theta International Honor Society, Continental Societies, Inc., and Delta Sigma Theta Sorority, Incorporated. She was the author of numerous academic papers, journal articles, and recipient of many grants, scholarships, and monetary awards for educational programs, publications and institutions. Through all her accomplishments, Dr. Greene stated countless times that her greatest professional achievement was the privilege and God-given ability to serve students, their families, and her community. Delores considered her family her greatest joy, and she was truly the stronghold of that family. She is survived by her loving son, Robert Taylor Greene, Jr.; her faithful daughter and caregiver, Michele Denise Greene Studevant; her precious granddaughter, Taylor LeeAnn Studevant (all of Richmond); her “son in the spirit,” the Rev. Jason L. Johnson (Brandale) and sons, of Ohio; seven maternal first cousins and their families, among them two dedicated “bonus daughters,” sisters Anna Epps and Thomasine Hill; her “Family-in-Love,” Mary and Roger Studevant, their children and grandsons, Kevin, II and Roger; her beloved childhood friend, Dr. Barbara Glenn and husband Vernon; several nieces and nephews by marriage; innumerable beloved associates, co-workers, mentees, students, and loved ones, including her dear friend, Dr. Lois Harrison-Jones Fears; and her VSU Staff of cherished confidantes: Dr. Donna Jones Miles, Dr. John Blackwell, Dr. Shandra Claiborne, and Mrs. Mikki Gales. Remains rest at Scott’s Funeral Home, 115 E. Brookland Park Blvd., where the family will receive friends from 5:30 p.m. until 7:00 p.m. on Thursday, April 21, 2022. At 5 p.m. prior to visitation, Delta Sigma Theta Sorority, Incorporated will honor Dr. Greene with their final rite, the Omega Omega Ceremony. Funeral services will be held at 11:00 a.m. Friday, April 22, 2022 at St. Peter Baptist Church, 2040 Mountain Road, Glen Allen. Rev. Dr. Kirkland R. Walton, officiating. Interment Forest Lawn Cemetery, 4000 Pilots Lane, Richmond. The Homegoing Celebration for Dr. Greene may be viewed live from the St. Peter Baptist Church YouTube channel The Homegoing Celebration for Dr. Greene may be viewed live from the St. Peter Baptist Church YouTube channel https://www.youtube.com/c/ StPeterBaptistChurchGlenAllenVA 2020

Guest Book

Words cannot express the sadness of recently learning of Dr. Greene's passing. Her contributions to education and commitment to learning will be remembered forever. Rest well until we meet again Dr. Greene. You will be missed. Commie Jones (VUU/VSU)

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Michelle, our thoughts and prayers are with you and your family at this very difficult moment. May you find peace and comfort in that precious and beautiful memories of your mother. Clinton,Nell and Clintral Morris🙏🏾❤️

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We offer our heartfelt condolences to the Greene family and to all of her very dear and loyal friends. We learned of her untimely death from our mutual and highly respected friend Dr. Lois Harrison-Jones Fears. Dr. Greene and her late husband Dr. Robert Greene were friends and associates of ours in Richmond, Virginia. When I was Superintendent of the Richmond Public Schools, Dr. Harrison-Jones Fears and Dr. Greene lead our effort to dramatically improve our student academic achievement for elementary school students. We set an ambitious goal pertaining to system wide fourth grade student academic achievement. The goal required us to increase the fourth grade student academic achievement mean or average test score system wide from the 30th percentile, where it was when the goal was established, to the 50th percentile within a period of five years. At the time, all public school students in the Commonwealth of Virginia were required by the Standards of Quality Program to annually take a specific state designated nationally norm based standardized academic achievement test. We met and exceeded the goal on time and owe much of this success to Dr. Delores Greene for her tireless work on behalf of Richmond Public School students. She was a most gifted and dedicated educator. And, she found her place in the Richmond Public Schools with the other outstanding educators, who welcomed her and respected her for her deep knowledge of education and for her dedication to the students. As a side note, it is interesting that at the time the goal was established approximately: 82% of the fourth grade students in the Richmond Public Schools were African American and 75% of them were on free and reduced price lunches. Signed Dr. Richard C. Hunter

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Purple represents royalty and a queen she was, Dr Delores Greene. My condolences to the family of Dr Greene. She will be missed. Her contributions in the field of Education are everlasting. May God comfort your heart, ease your sorrow and bring you peace!

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Dr. Greene and I were classmates at VSU and Deltas sisters. She lived her life as a shinning star whose glow touched many. She will remain in the thoughts of many. Elizabeth Lambert Johns

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My sincere condolences to the family. During this time of grief 2 Corinthians 1:3,4 says "Praised be the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, the Father of tender mercies and the God of all comfort,who comforts us in all our trials so that we may be able to comfort others in any sort of trial".

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My heart is broken! Dr. Greene was absolutely an amazing woman and guided so many of us through our journey in education. She will truly be missed!

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My heart is broken! Dr. Greene was absolutely an amazing woman and guided so many of us through our journey in education. She will truly be missed!

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Dr. Greene was one of my early advocates when I moved into higher education after my early career in K-12 schools. She was kind, generous, and wise in our counsel. She pointed my nose in the right direction on more than one occasion, and she always kept me on my toes with that disarming laugh of hers! Rest in peace, my friend. You've done great work. --Chris Gareis (William & Mary)

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My work Mom! I will miss you dearly but I will cherish forever all of the words of wisdom, the secret trades, and encouragement you shared with me. You were an amazing woman! Dr. Delores R. Greene was one of a kind! Love You.

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Our last lunch meeting at the house was very special. So many memories of you and how you opened your heart and home to me! Your other son with Eternal Love.

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I will miss you so much!! I will forever remember you!! You were a great woman!! Love you!!❤🙏🏽🙏🏽🙏🏽🙏🏽

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Words fail to express the depth of my sadness and loss over the passing of a dear friend, neighbor and co-worker. Delores' passing will leave a void in my life that can never be completed filled. I would have her daughter, Michelle, granddaughter and Robert II and know that I share their loss and am keeping them in my thoughts and prayers during this very difficult time. Lois Harrison-Jones Fears (aka Aunt Lois)

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Our staff will continue to keep your family in our prayers. We thank you for allowing us to serve your family.

- Scotts Funeral Home | Richmond, VA