Berlene Green

Life’s Journey

Berlene Green was born on January 10, 1930, into a family of four boys as siblings.  She was the daughter of Gus and Minerva Woods.  The family business was farming and Berlene was involved in all aspects of the family business: plowing, planting, and picking.  She was determined to leave the farm life and decided to attend cosmetology school where she attained an associates degree.  Times were difficult for her and her cousin, Rushia Cook, they earned money for their education by performing domestic work parttime.  Upon completing the course, Berlene and her mother moved to west Plainview, Texas for a greater economic opportunity.

Berlene became a member of the Church of Christ at an early age.  Her love for the gospel rooted her in her faith and this continued uninterrupted through all life’s challenges.  In 1950, she married Charlie Smoots at the tender age of 20 years old, in which she helped him raise four children, Rosetta, Dorthy, Charles and Ruby.  Together, they opened several businesses: a hair salon, a barber shop, and a restaurant).  As the Smoots were setting a solid family foundation, their union produced a son, Kenneth Smoots.  As time passed, the economy changed, times were difficult.  Charlie and Berlene split up and she became a single mother raising her child along with operating her salon and taking care of her mother.  Later in life, she met Emitt Green who she was married.  In face of adversity, Berlene’s faith became stronger as she became not only a pillar in the community, but also one of the original members of what was then called the Ash and Carver Church of Christ (which is now Austin Heights Church of Christ).  Upon the death of her husband, she then decided to move to Denver to be with her family, where she lived until the Lord called her.

A whole community looked to this woman for guidance and as an example.  Her prayers protected us from all outward evil.  She represented that a human can still walk that narrow righteous path.  She stood steadfast and endured many sacrifices to show and share an uncanny love which would have made her Heavenly Father proud.  She graced us with a continuous smile.  Her greatest desire was to hear the creator say, “Well done, thy good and faithful servant.  You have earned your robe, mansion and crown…” “Enter into my gates…” Glory Amen.

Berlene Green departed this on February 1, 2021, in Denver, Colorado.  She leaves to cherish her memory and mourn her loss, her son, Kenneth W. Smoots; stepchildren, grandchildren, great grandchildren, nieces, nephews, other relatives, and many friends.