Rena Mae (Berrian) Mack was born in Miami, Florida on November 20, 1926, in Miami, Florida. The daughter of the late Cornelius and Florence (Peake) Berrian, she was predeceased by her siblings, Albert Harry Berrian and Carrie Bell (Berrian) Ellis; her son, Allen Mack, Jr.; grandson, Devon M. Harris; and her lifelong best friends, Frances Jordan and Callie Mae McKnight.
A lifelong member of Zion Baptist Church, Jersey City, NJ, Rena served as an usher for more than sixty years, as well dedicated service as a Pastor’s Aide. She was still faithfully serving Zion until the Sunday before relocating to South Carolina in 2015. As an active member of the International Free and Accepted Masons, Order of the Eastern Stars, Rena cofounded Lady Miriam, Chapter #110, along with Callie Mae McKnight. She held several positions -- Worthy Matron, Conductress and Treasurer. She received several state and city citations for her volunteer services in New Jersey’s Senior Companion Program; voter registration and poll work services; senior lunch program; and foster grandparent program.
She developed a passion for crocheting. Although she was an expert in knitting, she often said she preferred to crochet. One would be hard pressed not to find at least one of her creations in the home of a family member or friend. She enjoyed fellowshipping with those in the craft, as well as instructing those who were interested in learning. If she was sitting, her hands were busy creating afghans, baby blankets, tablecloths, shawls, scarves, or squares for an anticipated project.
Rena is survived by two daughters, Harriet Ann (Mack) Batson and Janice (Mack) Greene; four grandchildren, Elisha (Batson) Whittaker; Ebonie (Batson) Hirst; Janelle R. Greene; and Isaiah T. Greene; as well as a host loving of nieces, nephews and friends.