Obituary for Jesse "Duke" Green Jr.
Elder Jesse James “Duke” Green, Jr., was born November 27, 1967, in Savannah, Georgia, to the late, Jesse
and Elizabeth (Williams) Green. “Duke,” as he is affectionately known, passed from labor to reward,
early Monday morning, August 26, 2019, at Memorial Satilla Health Hospital in Waycross, Georgia. He
had fought a good fight, finished his course, and kept the faith. He was 51 years old.
Jesse received his education in the Charlton County School System and was a proud member of the
graduating class of 1986. After completing high school, Jesse worked 15 years with MDI on the naval
base at Kings Bay. Other employment included, being a summer recreational provider and driver for the
Summer Lunch Program. He was currently employed by Source 4 Teachers, as a substitute teacher
within the Charlton County School System.
In 1995, Jesse accepted the Lord as his personal Savior at Saint Matthew Baptist Church under the
leadership of Rev. Dr. Larry Curry. He became an active member of the body of Christ and joined the
Usher Ministry. In 1996, he married the love of his life, Tracy Ford, and they reared three children. In
1998, he was appointed and ordained a deacon. In 2001, Jesse was called into ministry and accepted his
call with pleasure. He loved studying, teaching, and ministering the Word of God. One of his greatest
joys was to witness and compel others to be saved. Jesse was elevated to Saint Matthew’s Youth Pastor
in June 2003. His young members often referred to him as “Uncle Duke” because he had a love and
compassion for reaching them at their level. Elder Green spent many hours counseling, transporting,
and supporting his youth as they participated in various extracurricular school activities. As youth
pastor, he oversaw many church related youth activities, becoming actively involved in the lives of his
young charges. Elder Jesse completed his ministerial studies at the Florida Seminary in 2017.
Besides loving the Lord, his family and friends, Duke was a sports enthusiast. He loved many sports and
was an avid Dallas Cowboys fan.
He leaves to cherish his precious memories, his loving and devoted wife of 23 years, Tracy Ford Green;
three children, Traycetta (Gabriel) Forshee of Vail, Arizona, Quanterria (Ryan,Sr.) Taylor of El Paso,
Texas, and Edward Thompson of Fort Riley, Kansas; siblings, Opal Green (Folkston), Madrina (Kary)
Addison (Yulee, Fl); six grandchildren, Ryan Taylor Jr., Elijah Thompson, Ethan Thompson, Khloe
Thompson, Skylarr Thompson, and Gavin Forshee; Sister-in- laws, Paulette Ford and Tammy Ford;
Brother-in-laws, Frederick Edwards, Donnie Edwards, Michael (Adrienne) Millard; four godchildren,
Cristiana Roberson, Jaylin Alexander Baker, Reginald “RJ” Berry Jr., Destiny Martin; aunts, one uncle,
cousins and a host of other loving family and friends.
and Elizabeth (Williams) Green. “Duke,” as he is affectionately known, passed from labor to reward,
early Monday morning, August 26, 2019, at Memorial Satilla Health Hospital in Waycross, Georgia. He
had fought a good fight, finished his course, and kept the faith. He was 51 years old.
Jesse received his education in the Charlton County School System and was a proud member of the
graduating class of 1986. After completing high school, Jesse worked 15 years with MDI on the naval
base at Kings Bay. Other employment included, being a summer recreational provider and driver for the
Summer Lunch Program. He was currently employed by Source 4 Teachers, as a substitute teacher
within the Charlton County School System.
In 1995, Jesse accepted the Lord as his personal Savior at Saint Matthew Baptist Church under the
leadership of Rev. Dr. Larry Curry. He became an active member of the body of Christ and joined the
Usher Ministry. In 1996, he married the love of his life, Tracy Ford, and they reared three children. In
1998, he was appointed and ordained a deacon. In 2001, Jesse was called into ministry and accepted his
call with pleasure. He loved studying, teaching, and ministering the Word of God. One of his greatest
joys was to witness and compel others to be saved. Jesse was elevated to Saint Matthew’s Youth Pastor
in June 2003. His young members often referred to him as “Uncle Duke” because he had a love and
compassion for reaching them at their level. Elder Green spent many hours counseling, transporting,
and supporting his youth as they participated in various extracurricular school activities. As youth
pastor, he oversaw many church related youth activities, becoming actively involved in the lives of his
young charges. Elder Jesse completed his ministerial studies at the Florida Seminary in 2017.
Besides loving the Lord, his family and friends, Duke was a sports enthusiast. He loved many sports and
was an avid Dallas Cowboys fan.
He leaves to cherish his precious memories, his loving and devoted wife of 23 years, Tracy Ford Green;
three children, Traycetta (Gabriel) Forshee of Vail, Arizona, Quanterria (Ryan,Sr.) Taylor of El Paso,
Texas, and Edward Thompson of Fort Riley, Kansas; siblings, Opal Green (Folkston), Madrina (Kary)
Addison (Yulee, Fl); six grandchildren, Ryan Taylor Jr., Elijah Thompson, Ethan Thompson, Khloe
Thompson, Skylarr Thompson, and Gavin Forshee; Sister-in- laws, Paulette Ford and Tammy Ford;
Brother-in-laws, Frederick Edwards, Donnie Edwards, Michael (Adrienne) Millard; four godchildren,
Cristiana Roberson, Jaylin Alexander Baker, Reginald “RJ” Berry Jr., Destiny Martin; aunts, one uncle,
cousins and a host of other loving family and friends.