Honorable Judge Lillian J. Greene

The Honorable Judge Lillian J. Greene, affectionately known as “Deal,” passed away peacefully in her sleep on April 6, 2024. Judge Greene was born in Youngstown, OH on March 31, 1948, to her loving mother Margaret and father George Jones. Margaret ensured her children had an early relationship with Christ and raised them in the Tabernacle Baptist Church in Youngstown, OH. There, Lillian, and her adoring brother David sang in the Church Choir. Alongside her love for the church, she had a passion for academics and excelled at The Rayen High School, earning a spot in the Honor Society and a full collegiate scholarship, a distinction granted to only one student per year.

She received her bachelor’s degree from Case Western Reserve University and her Juris Doctorate from Western Reserve School of Law. Judge Greene was later inducted into the Case Western Reserve University School of Law’s Hall of Fame. She practiced law for a decade before running for judge and served as president of the Norman S. Minor Bar Association, becoming its first female president.

The Honorable Judge Lillian J. Greene was elected as a judge of the Cuyahoga County Court of Common Pleas in Cleveland. She was the first black female elected to the Cuyahoga County Court of Common Pleas, General Division, without being appointed first and the second black female to serve in a non-judicial political office in Cuyahoga County government. She was a trailblazer in her career, earning countless accolades, awards, and pioneering achievements.

In addition to her professional career, she was an active advocate in the community, volunteering, fundraising, and engaging in philanthropic activities. She led the Eliza Bryant Holiday Mart, participated in outreach programs in local inner-city schools, and collaborated with the NAACP to drive change in the community.

Judge Greene was a devoted member of Mount Sinai Baptist Church for decades, under the pastoral leadership of C.J. Matthews, whom she deeply admired. She served as an usher in the church and never missed Sunday services.

Lillian is survived by her devoted husband of thirty-nine years, Morris Devezin, who cared for her at home until the very end, her son Nelson Devezin (wife Kieshia), granddaughter Lillian Devezin and her brother David R. Jones (wife Andi-deceased). She is also survived by stepchildren Morris (Morean & Latia), Monique (Dominque), and Prudhomme (Brittany & Jared), along with a host of in-laws, step-grandchildren, cousins, nieces, nephews, and friends. Judge Greene is preceded in death by her parents, Margaret and George Jones and brother Elliott Jones.

Services will be held at 12 pm on Saturday, April 14, 2024, at Mount Sinai Baptist Church.

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