Deric Maurice Greene, Ph.D.

July 5, 1967 ~ February 22, 2026

Dr. Deric Maurice Greene transitioned peacefully on Sunday, February 22, 2026, at the age of 58.

Born on July 5, 1967, Deric was the beloved and only child of the late Junious J. Greene and Audry A. Greene. From an early age, his life was shaped by love, intention, and high expectations. His mother once presented him with three choices for a hobby: to learn to swim at Hampton University, to ride horses, or to take piano lessons. Deric chose piano, a decision that would quietly ignite a lifelong musical journey. That choice blossomed into a deep love for music, leading him to compose and pen numerous musical scores that were later professionally recorded. Music became not just a skill, but a language through which he expressed creativity, discipline, and beauty.

Dr. Greene was a member of the Mt. Airy Baptist Church, Washington, DC under the leadership of the late Reverend C. Phillip Johnson.

A proud graduate of Hampton High School, Class of 1985, Deric's commitment to academic excellence was evident early. He furthered his studies at Old Dominion University in Norfolk, Virginia, completing two years in Communication before earning his first bachelor's degree from James Madison University. Determined and focused, Deric worked at Bryant & Stratton College while continuing his educational pursuits at Norfolk State University, where he earned his Master's Degree in Communication.

His academic journey did not stop there. Upon receiving his Letter of Acceptance to Howard University, Deric answered the call to even greater scholarly heights, ultimately earning his Ph.D. in Communication. He was immensely proud of his Howard University achievement, carrying the distinction with honor and humility. Dr. Greene began his distinguished career at Stevenson University in 2004 as an Assistant Professor of Communication. Over the next 22 years, he faithfully served the institution and its students, rising to the rank of Professor of Communication in 2019. Throughout his tenure, he taught a broad range of courses.

In March 2021, his dedication to education was recognized nationally when he received the "Excellence in Teaching Award" from the National Society of Leadership Success.

An engaged and active member of the Stevenson University community, Dr. Greene served on numerous committees, including the Paul D. Lack Scholars' Showcase Committee and the Student Scholarly and Creative Works Summer Grant Program Committee. He also served as co-advisor to the Communication Hub and regularly presented at regional and national conferences, including the Eastern Communication Association, National Communication Association, Maryland Communication Association, and Southern States Communication Association. In the autumn of 2024, he organized a compelling panel discussion titled, "Navigating New Shores: Exploring the Communication Discipline through the Voices of Marginalized Scholars," for the 95th Annual Southern States Communication Association Convention.

Dr. Deric Maurice Greene will be remembered not only for his academic accomplishments, but for the character and warmth he embodied daily. He greeted everyone with kindness and a gentle smile, regardless of their station.

He leaves behind a profound and lasting legacy of scholarship, service, artistry, and love. Dr. Deric Maurice Greene's life reminds us that excellence, humility, intellect, and kindness can coexist beautifully in one soul.  He will be deeply missed and forever remembered.

He leaves to cherish his loving memory, his mother, Audry A. Greene; two uncles, Edward L. Green (Patricia) of Clinton, MD, and Ernest L. Green of Newport News, VA; four aunts, Patricia G. Braxton (James) and Brenda R. Darcus (Philip) of Hampton, VA, Barbara Greene of Largo, FL, and Reverend DeVeria Gore of Yorktown, VA; two nephews, Nathan Robinson and Nicholas Bouyer; one niece, Shara Robinson; cousins, and a host of extended family members and friends who will forever remember his quiet strength, steady presence, and unwavering dedication to those he loved.

Viewing will be held 1:00 p.m. to 5:00 p.m. Friday, March 6, 2026 at St. John Church of God In Christ.  The homegoing celebration will take place 1:30 p.m. Saturday, March 7, 2026 at St. John C.O.G.I.C., 2416 Orcutt Ave., Newport News, Virginia 23607.