Obituary of Renee Diane Hawk Brent Ferguson

Renee Diane Hawk Brent Ferguson, affectionately known as “Butterfly” to her church family, passed away peacefully on February 27, 2025, at the age of 60. She was born on April 16, 1964, in East Orange, New Jersey, to Ronald Edward Hairston and the late Gloria Elizabeth Walker (Hawk). She was raised by her predeceased grandmother, Bertha Hawk, and dear aunts: Elizabeth Harris, Minnie James, and Ruby Singleton. Renee’s life was a testament to love, strength, and resilience, and her presence will be deeply missed by all who had the privilege of knowing her.

Renee was known for her intelligence, boundless generosity, love for entertaining and decorating. She graduated from East Orange High School and received her Associate’s Degree in Pre-Law from Warren County Community College as a Cum Laude graduate. Later, Renee continued her education, working towards a Bachelor’s Degree in Psychology from the University of Phoenix. Professionally, Renee’s career was marked by her dedication, passion, and unwavering work ethic. She worked across the country, in New Jersey, Pennsylvania, Texas, and New York, with her longest career service of 19 years to Prudential in the insurance industry.

Most recently, Renee was settled in Elmira, New York, with her family and friends. She was a beloved head of the class at the OFHOPE Daycare and was promoted to Daycare Director in 2020, retiring in March 2023. Renee was a member of the Our Father’s House of Prayer Eternal where the daycare was housed. She and her husband served as Deacon and Deaconess Ferguson, serving the congregation and Elmira community. In her younger years, Renee was a member of Bethany Baptist Church of Newark, New Jersey, where she was active in the choir, Women’s League, and chaired many clubs. She was a faithful Christian and prayer warrior throughout her life.

Renee’s family was the center of her world, and she dedicated her life to nurturing and supporting those she loved. Renee married Johnny Carmello Ferguson on September 3, 2022, in a beautiful celebration of love that highlighted her joyful spirit and commitment to family. Together, they built a life filled with commitment, laughter, and mutual respect.

Renee is survived by her children, Robert L. Brent Jr., Christina E. Brent, and Alicia L. Haskins, and her grandchildren, Jasyiah Z. Garrett and Zariah R. Garrett. They were the light of her life. She poured her heart into being a devoted mother and grandmother, offering wisdom, compassion, and guidance to them. Her legacy lives on through their lives and the values she instilled in them.

Renee is also survived by Ronald E. Hairston, father, Beulah Brent, mother-in-law, Jawanda N. Hairston (Jeffery Phillips) and Shawn A. Walker, sisters, Thomas B. Hairston and Kevin A. Hawk, brothers, Savannah F. Phillips and Alysha S. Walker, nieces, as well as Zimmie W. Phillips, Anthony B. Walker, Donnie W. Blue Jr., and Eric J. Blue, nephews.

Renee has been blessed with a host of aunts, uncles, cousins, and friends who loved her deeply. She is predeceased by Gloria E. Walker (Hawk), mother, Edith L. Hairston, stepmother, Genevieve Newkirk, aunt, Kenneth B. Hawk and James P. Walker, brothers, Robert L. Brent Sr., first husband, and Robert Haskins, father of Alicia L. Haskins.

Renee was cared for and comforted in her last days by her Elmira church family and the family of her sister-friend, Susette Squires. Renee’s bond with her family and friends was unbreakable, and her love for them knew no bounds. The support, laughter, and warmth she shared will never be forgotten.

Renee’s radiant personality and her nickname, “Butterfly,” were fitting representations of the grace and beauty she brought into the world. Her kindness, bright spirit, and unwavering strength made an indelible mark on everyone she met. Renee had an uncanny ability to make those around her feel valued, seen, and heard. Her physical presence will be missed, but she is forever with us.

A celebration of Renee’s life will be held at 1:00 p.m. on Saturday, March 8, 2025, at McInerny Funeral Home.  A livestream of the service will be on YouTube, please subscribe to McInerny Funeral Home. Program can be viewed here.

In lieu of flowers, the family asks that donations be made here to The Arc of Chemung-Schuyler, 711 Sullivan Street, Elmira NY 14901, or a service organization of your choice in her memory, honoring the spirit of giving that Renee exemplified.

Please join us for a repast immediately following the service at:

> Our Father’s House of Prayer Eternal

> 330 W. Church St.

> Elmira, NY 14901

> Dining Hall