Edgar Lee Greene

Edgar Lee Greene was born on March 11, 1971, in Chicago and raised in Decatur by his loving parents, Roy Greene and Eloise Greene. As a child, he attended New Salem Baptist Church, where his mother served as the pianist. It was there that Edgar developed his love for God and music, two things that would remain central throughout his life.

Edgar was educated in the Decatur Public School System and graduated from Douglas MacArthur High School in 1989. He continued his education, first attending the University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign, and later graduating Summa Cum Laude from Eastern Illinois University with a Bachelor of Business Administration degree, earning straight A's and demonstrating the discipline and commitment to excellence that he often encouraged in others.

Throughout his life, Edgar believed deeply in doing your best, pursuing excellence, and encouraging others to discover their gifts. He often spoke about the importance of prayer, preparation, and discipline, believing that success came from both faith and effort.

Edgar dedicated much of his professional life to helping others through his work. Over the years, he worked at A-1 Rental Car, Allstate Insurance, and later served the people of Illinois as a Tax Specialist with the Illinois Department of Revenue. In every role he held, Edgar was known for his integrity, kindness, and willingness to assist others.

Faith and music were central to Edgar's life. A gifted and passionate musician, he faithfully served as the saxophonist at Mt. Olive Missionary Baptist Church, where his saxophone could be heard every Sunday. Edgar also created the band Nfinite Soul, which performed at many community events and gatherings. One of his greatest joys was sharing the stage with his daughter, Erica Smith, performing music together and celebrating their shared gift. His love for music was so strong that he was known for taking his saxophone everywhere he went, always ready to play and share his gift.

On June 14, 1997, Edgar was united in holy matrimony to the love of his life, Janice Greene. Their marriage was built on faith, love, and devotion, and together they created a beautiful family and life filled with shared memories.

Edgar was also known for the many things that made him uniquely himself. He was an avid fan of the Illinois Fighting Illini, proudly cheering on his team. He had a sweet spot for strawberry shortcake, a romantic spirit that showed in the love he gave to his wife and family, and a gift for encouraging others through life's battles. He especially took great pride in his daughters and was known for proudly bragging about their accomplishments and celebrating their gifts and talents. Many people remember Edgar for his uplifting words, his belief in the potential of others, and his ability to help them see the gifts within themselves.

At the center of Edgar's life was God, and the source of his greatest joy was his wife and family. He was a devoted husband, loving father, proud grandfather, mentor, and friend, and his presence brought warmth, wisdom, and encouragement to those around him.

He leaves to cherish his memory his beloved wife, Janice Greene; his daughters Janasha Eakins (Marcus Eakins), Erica Smith, Avona Barrett (Kevin Barrett), and Valena Greene; and his cherished grandchildren Milan, Iman, Naomi, and Andréus Eakins.

He is also survived by his brothers, Kevin Greene and Jacque Thompson; his niece, Alexis Christian Brown; his father and mother-in-law, Melvin and Rhonda Smith his Godparents, Charles and Joycelyn Phillips; his cousin, Gail Evans, lovingly referred to as a second mother; his special cousins, Heather Childs and Eddie Lee "Honey" Taylor; Joanne Clayborne (Robert Clayborne); and a host of extended relatives, church family, and dear friends whose lives were touched by his presence.

Edgar was preceded in death by his father, Roy O. Greene; mother, Eloise Greene; grandmother, Corniece A. Blue; grandfather, Glenn Sadler; step-grandmother, Pearl Sadler; brother, Joseph Greene; aunts, Mary Greene, Lulavee Thompson, Minerva Bradford, Kizzie Merriweather, Sue Pearl Taylor, and Martha Jefferies; and cousin, Nathan Evans.

Edgar's life was a testament to faith, perseverance, love, and service. Through his music, encouragement, and example, he inspired countless people to pursue their purpose and live with excellence.

On March 4, 2026 at 4:14 p.m., Edgar peacefully transitioned at Froedtert Hospital in Milwaukee at the age of 54.

As written in scripture:

"I have fought the good fight, I have finished the race, I have kept the faith."

- 2 Timothy 4:7

Edgar Lee Greene's legacy of faith, music, encouragement, and love will continue to live on in the hearts of all who knew and loved him. Funeral services will be held at 12:00 p.m., Saturday, March 14, 2026, at Salem Baptist Church. Visitation will be from 11:00 a.m. until the hour of service. The ministry of comfort has been entrusted to Walker Funeral Service & Chapel. This obituary was lovingly written by the family.