Rachel M. Erwin

Rachel Mary Green-Erwin aka “Little Bit” was born July 6th, 1952 in Bedford Stuyvesant , Brooklyn NY. Father-Charlie Perdue, Mother-Barbara Green  & cared for:Step Father: Mustafa Abduls - Allem,Step Mother: Barbera Shaw

While In Brooklyn, she attended Franklin K Lane for Highschool. Thereafter, Rachel worked at Brooklyn Navy Yard. In time being a helpful person and having a big heart, she realized her calling was being a nurses aide. 

Moving from Brooklyn to Schenectady in 1987 she continued her passion for helping others & worked as a Nurses aide in Glendale Nursing Home. 

Rachel was a member of a motorcycle group called The Zodiac Club where she was introduced to a group named the Eastern Star where she was a member for over 10 years . It is here where she started to grow deep bonds with her crew we call “The Golden Girls”

Rachel was very old school & direct, usually directed towards her love for her children && the youngsters in the community. With that being said, she was always coming from a place of love && protection.

Anyone who knew Ms. Rachel knew her music was a major part of her life. It’s truly where her children grow a major love for music. From Sam Cook, Aretha Franklin, Diana Ross, Anita Baker, Temptation’s & countless others, Rachel woke up in the morning playing tunes && drinking her coffee & that’s how she started her day.  Let’s not forget how fashionable & fly Rachel got on a daily basis. At 19 years young age was wearing shearling coats, hats & fly leather boots. Man did she love her boots! She married her beloved, deceased husband Mr. Jim Erwin who served in WWII.

She was a member & attended different churches, such as  Presbyterian Church, Refreshing Springs, & New Bethel Community Church. You couldn’t tell Rachel much about her belief in God &  knowing that He would keep her & always make a way out of no way. Her favorite phrase was “I’m not going to complain, I’m just going give it to God! What it’s gonna be is what it’s gonna be!” Her smile was radiant && could light up a room which made her extremely photogenic & vibrant. She was Very energetic & full of life. Man o Man could she get around…people would see her on one side of Schdy && on the other side moments after! 

Everyone knew her as momma Rachel, Ms.Rachel. TRULY One of The Og’s of the hood for sure. And last of a dying breed. If she cared about you in any way, she was making it her business to let you know to stay out of trouble & do more with yourself! She truly took anyone under her wing, whether providing food, a dollar or shelter. She made sure everyone around her was cared for in some way and you never left hungry or needing much after Rachel got through with you. It was always tough love that she showed, but it was meaningful & to the point of wanting so much more for others. 

In 2020, Rachel was presented with the horrid news that she was battling with stage 4 cancer. Never once did she complain, she just was willing & ready to go through whatever was needed to do to fight this fight of life. Although the odds were against her, she truly was strong through this journey & fought until her last breath. No matter the unfortunate circumstances, the idea from loved ones was created that everyday was her birthday & she would live as such! 

She took care of EVERYONE in some way. Most definitely a pillar of the family, through ups & downs, through thick & thin, she left her mark on this world & she will be missed a great deal from her beloved family: 

Countless friends & community. 

She leaves behind her most cherished possessions, HER FAMILY:

Sisters: Yvonne Green, Sparkle Perdue, belated Keisha Green, belated Shantà Shaw

Brothers: Gary Green belated Ronald Green

Grandchildren: Ralil, Kriselle, Kayri, Ajae, Xiaya, Amir & Navir.        

Nieces & nephews : Shawn Kearse, Sparkle Shaw, Donte Shaw, Gary Green, Jr. 
Children: Dominique Green, Issmal Green, Rajah Green , & belated Kristian Green, && Rodney Riggins

Also survived by close extended family and a host of friends & people who loved her. You will be missed a great deal Rachel.

Prayer:

Heavenly Father, we come to you today asking for your peace and grace for our beloved one who is transitioning from this life to the next. Grant them a peaceful passing, free from pain and worry. May they rest in the comfort and safety of your arms forever. Lord, surround the family and friends of this dear one with your love and protection. Provide them with strength, courage and solace during this difficult time. May we all be reminded of the hope of resurrection and eternal life. Amen.🙏🏾

Funeral services will be held on Friday, April 21, 2023 at 10 AM at State Street Presbyterian Church 5 Catherine  Street Schenectady. A calling hour will be held from 9 to 10. Prior to the service. Burial will be in the Gerald B.H. Solomon Saratoga National Cemetery.