Yreana-Renee Flack

In Loving Memory of Yreana-Renee Flack
July 18, 1944 – September 15, 2025
Yreana-Renee Flack, a beloved mother, sister, aunt, educator, world traveler, and dedicated
community servant, passed away peacefully on September 15, 2025, in Concord, North Carolina.
She was 81 years old.
Born in Harlem, New York, to Harry J. Wilkinson and Bernice Rachel Gurley, both deceased,
Renee grew up with a love for learning, laughter, and adventure. She graduated from Port
Jefferson High School in 1962, later earning an AA from Suffolk County Community College
(1983), a BS from St. Joseph's College (1987), and an MBA from Dowling College (1990). A
lifelong learner, she carried her passion for education into her professional and personal life.
For over 40 years, Renee served as the Science Education Administrator at Brookhaven National
Laboratory, where she worked tirelessly to support the growth and advancement of generations
of scientists. She also shared her knowledge as an adjunct professor at St. Joseph's Community
College and Suffolk County Community College. Even outside the classroom, she never stopped
learning, teaching, and inspiring those around her.
In the 1970s, Renee, at 25 years old, built her own home on Beach Lane, Long Island, a
testament to her independence and determination. After retiring from Brookhaven in 2008, she
embraced her next chapter with the same energy she had always shown-volunteering, traveling,
and deepening her connections with family and community.
Renee's spirit of service was evident throughout her life. In New York, she dedicated her time to
the Gordon Heights Civic Association, Gordon Heights Fire Department, and the Suffolk County
Crisis Hotline. In North Carolina, she continued to uplift others through her work with the
Fayetteville Urban Ministry, Fort Liberty American Red Cross, and Seniors on the Move. In recognition for
her incredible legacy of community service, Renee was awarded the U.S. President's Volunteer
Service Award in 1999. Wherever she lived, she left a legacy of compassion and commitment.
Fearless in spirit, Renee was also a global explorer. She traveled across five continents,
competed in the World Masters' Games, and enjoyed dozens of cruises. She delighted in
experiencing the world-collecting art, photos, and her cherished crab figurines along the way.
She lived with joy, humor, and style, always ready to laugh, share seafood with friends, shop for
shoes or jewelry, and generously give gifts that made others feel seen and celebrated.
She is survived by her son, Irving Alan Flack, and his wife, Jody Ballard; her sister-in-law,
Carolyn Biggs-Harris; and her nieces and nephews, Rochelle and John Odom, Selenamarie Suber
Salas and Salem Salas, Maceo Percer and Nicole Swann, Charlie Percer, and Crystal Harris and
Ronise Zenon. She was preceded in death by her long-term partner, Howard Duewson; her
siblings, Ruth Denise Percer and Howard M. Biggs Jr.; and her beloved parents. She also leaves
behind dear traveling companions and lifelong friends, Theresa Cohen and Marilyn Purcell, as
well as her "grand-dog" Nia, who brought her joy in her final years.
Those who knew Renee will remember her as a fearless adventurer, a dedicated professional, a
loving family matriarch, and a woman who lived life fully and on her own terms. Her laughter,
generosity, and boundless curiosity will continue to inspire all who were fortunate enough to
know her.
In honor of her memory, donations may be made to Fort Liberty American Red Cross, Fayetteville Urban
Ministry, Seniors on the Move, or a community service organization of your choice-continuing
her legacy of service and giving.