Tributes

Deborah Cerese Green was born on April 6, 1955, to Sarah Rebecca Green and Willie Green. She was born and raised in the South Bronx, New York. She was the 5th child and baby girl of the family. She chose to be called by her middle name, "Cerese" because at the time there were so many Deborahs that lived in the neighborhood, but there was only one Cerese. Cerese was known for her beautiful smile and her bubbly personality. Cerese and her family moved to Hempstead, Long Island, during her high school years. She graduated from Hempstead High School. After graduation, Cerese pursued a higher education by attending Nassau Community College, where she graduated with her associate's degree. Cerese worked at Gimbel's Department Store where her personality and sales skills shined. She used her keen administrative skills at several companies and businesses, including LabCorp, and The Hellen Keller School on Long Island. Cerese loved the Lord with all her heart. She was the First Lady of a church in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, where she also served as the lead Sunday School teacher. She taught children of primary ages the blessed word of God. Later, Cerese moved back to Long Island, New York, and served as the Prayer leader for her mother's church, The Good News Faith Tabernacle in Hempstead, New York. Many today still recall the powerful prayer nights that she led by the Spirit of God. One notable scripture that Cerese taught was Matthew 6:25 - Matthew 7:11. Cerese told the prayer group to read this scripture 3 times a day like a prescription. Cerese expanded her role in the Good News Faith Tabernacle Church by serving as a Sunday School teacher. Once again sharing the good word of the gospel to the youngest church goers. Cerese helped with the Toys for Tots program, sponsored by the Marines, on Long Island. She also helped gather food for families that faced food insecurity on Long Island. Cerese and her husband moved to Richmond, Virginia. She later moved to Florida, where she lived near her brothers, Raymond and Arnold. Cerese was preceded in death by her mother, Pastor Sarah R. Thomas, her father, Reverand Willie Green and her daughter, Desiree Young. Cerese leaves behind her husband, Dennis O'Neal; 4 brothers, Arnold Green (Noelia Green), Kevin Green (Mary Green), Raymond Kaufman (Sheila Kaufman), and Derek Thomas (Sharon Thomas); 2 sisters, Cheryl Green and Michelle Mcgee; and a host of nieces and nephews, Shawnee (Johnny), Jamel, Janean, Marlon, Ciara, Teracie, Diontre, Sumaia, Saniya; great nieces and nephews, Nisa, Symone, Josiah, Jeremiah, Sarah, DiAngelo, Levi, Noah, Mila, Jael, Joel and a host of other family members. She also leaves behind another mother figure, Ruby Pinckney. The family would like to express a special thanks to Your Sanctuary Assisted Living, the staff and Ms. Marcia Miller for their dedicated care. In lieu of flowers, the family request donations be made to Your Sanctuary Assisted Living, LLC. Please contact the funeral home for further details. 407-373-0033. For those that cannot attend, you can live stream at 7:00 pm: https://faithassembly.org/live/

Tributes

Deborah Cerese O'Neal

April 6, 1955 - September 28, 2025