Sara Evelyn Greer, left this earthly life quietly on Friday, May 6, 2016. at her home in Helotes, Texas. She succumbed to lung cancer. Family and friends were surprised at the rapid progression of the disease, but as with most things Evelyn handled her illness with grace. She was always mindful to thank the hospital and clinic staff for their care and often offered a kind observation and a smile. While we friends and family are sad her life is over, we are consoled by the fact she blessed our lives with her presence. Hers was a life well lived!
Evelyn was born 73 years ago in Nashville, Tennessee, to Sarah P. Greer (nee Young) and Willie B. Greer Sr.. After completing her basic education at Carter Lawrence and Cameron High School in Nashville, she earned a bachelor's degree in nursing from Tuskegee Institute, Tuskegee, Alabama.
Enjoying a 24 year (1967-1991) military career as nurse in the United States Air Force (USAF). Evelyn retired with the rank of Lieutenant Colonel. During her career in the USAF, Evelyn was stationed at: Andrews AFB (Air Force Base),MD; Travis AFB, CA; Clark AFB, Phillippines, Lackland AFB and Randolph AFB, TX; Whiteman AFB, MO; Incirlik AFB, Turkey; Scott AFB, IL; Yokota AFB, Japan and Eglin AFB, FL.
Upon retiring from the USAF, Evelyn return to Nashville and cared for her mother for twelve years, while working as a home health nurse with Vanderbilt University Medical Center. During that time she was active in her home church, Greater Bethel A.M.E. Church, as an usher and Sunday school teacher.
An avid sports fan (especially of San Antonio's pro basketball teams the Spurs and the Stars) as well as a seeker of physical wellbeing, she worked on keeping fit at the gym with friends, a personal trainer, and lots of laughter. Evelyn loved music and possessed a deep appreciation for a wide variety of genre and styles.
An enthusiastic traveler, Evelyn also enjoyed gatherings with family and friends. Her pound cake was a family treasure and her potato salad was hit among friends. She enjoyed cooking new creations on a regular basis and had an extensive collection of cookbooks. A compassionate active listener with a gentle and kind presence along with a disarming dry wit, she will be sorely missed by those who knew and loved her.
Evelyn is survived by: BFF, Lt. Col. Karen Johnson, USAF, Ret., Helotes, TX; sister Ann G. (Henry) Stinson, Nashville, TN; brothers, Lt. Col. Willie (Bobby) Greer Jr., USAF, Ret., Riverside, CA and Barry (Mattie) Greer Sr, Nashville, TN; aunts, Lillian Harding, Nashville, TN., Jeanetta Young, Norene, TN and Helen M. Young, Nashville, TN; uncle, Robert A. Young, Norene, TN and numerous nieces, nephews, cousins and friends..
The funeral was held at Greater Bethel A.M.E. Church, Nashville on May 14, 2016 and she was buried with military honors at Greenwood Cemetery, Nashville. A memorial luncheon celebrating Evelyn's life was held at her former home in Helotes, Texas on May 29, 2016.
