Rene' Phillips Greer

"I could always tell which way he went by the light he left behind." Rene' Phillips Greer left this world on Monday, April 10 - a "lamplighter" and role model who left giant footprints on our hearts, and we will never be the same. Rene' was born in and spent most of her life in Baton Rouge and had recently moved to The Woodlands, TX to be nearer her beloved grandchildren. Rene' graduated from Central High School in 1980, where she served as the school's first female class president and head cheerleader of her varsity squad. She was also a proud graduate of LSU's Manship School of Mass Communication in 1988, completing her studies at night while working full-time and raising two children. Throughout Rene's public affairs career across many industries, she earned a reputation for her sharp intellect, courageous leadership, tireless work ethic, ability to build diverse and impactful coalitions and relentless determination to improve the lives of others. Rene's positive and dynamic spirit shone through the many adversities she faced, and she overcame them with grace and an unwavering commitment to truth and integrity. Rene' credited her achievements and happiness in adulthood to the strong public education she had received as a child. She channeled her gratitude into community service through her many board leadership positions and volunteerism in: Forum 35 (where she was one of the original 40 members, Community Outreach Chair for Light Up! Baton Rouge, Bonne Fete Steering Committee member, Viva il Vino Chair, Executive Committee member and Advisory Board member for many years), The Rotary Club, Junior Achievement, United Way Section Co-Chair, Community Fund for the Arts, Public Affairs Research Council, Swine Palace, Magnolia Mound, St. Vincent De Paul, Academic Distinction Fund, Baton Rouge Literacy Coalition, Baton Rouge Green, We Are BR Advisory Board, Boys and Girls Club Advisory Board, to name a few. Rene' was a graduate of Leadership Baton Rouge and passed to her children her love of community and service to others. Rene' lived a life of purpose and meaning. Rene' was beautiful- inside and out. She had a deep, kind soul that loved fiercely, completely and without reservation. Rene' gave her best to those she loved, often more than she had to give, and she brought out the best in others. Those who knew Rene's silly side were exceptionally blessed. She found peace in nature and joy in the smiles of her children. Rene' loved family football games at the beach, giggling with her grandkids, staying active, creating beautiful places and experiences, and snuggling with her two dogs, Bosco and Baxter. Rene' is survived by her daughter, Cassie Elaine Greer (husband Bradley Beychok); three sons, Cody Ryan Greer (wife Addie), Jonathan Kramer Greer, Jr. (Jakob), and Rhett Barton Greer; five grandchildren, Parker Leland Greer, Amélie Jane Greer, Amelia Grace Beychok, Beau Sheldon Beychok, and Eloise Alise Greer. She also leaves behind her husband of twenty-three years, Jonathan Greer; father and mother, Earl and Joyce Phillips; two sisters, Robin Phillips Dantin and Rhea Michelle Phillips; brother, Rhett Phillips (wife Margaret); six nephews, Michael Todd Dantin (wife Jobi), Joseph Dillon Dantin (wife Jordan), Tyler Jay Dantin, Louis Walker Phillips, Ashton Rhett Phillips, and Preston Yates Phillips; five nieces, Dene' Dantin Chenevert (husband Ryan), Victoria Elizabeth Dantin, Emily Jordan Phillips, Diana Marie Dantin, and Gifford Elizabeth Greer; and in-laws Robert Stephenson (Bob) Greer, Jr. and Alice Dugas Greer. Rene' loved her aunts, uncles, and cousins dearly. Rene' was preceded in death by her brother-in-law, Jay Joseph Dantin; nephew Raymond Earl Dantin; paternal grandparents Alcee and Adeline Bonaventure Phillips; maternal grandparents Raymond and Delois Morgan Gilpin; and her beloved dog, Bogie. Visitation will be held at Our Lady of Mercy Catholic Church on Friday, April 21 from 8:30 am to 10:00 am, to be followed by a Mass of Christian Burial beginning at 10:00 am. A reception at the Parish Activity Center will follow. In lieu of flowers, memorial donations may be made to Our Lady of Mercy Catholic Church– 445 Marquette Ave, Baton Rouge, LA 70806 or the Society of St. Vincent de Paul – P.O. Box 127, Baton Rouge, LA 70821. To view and sign the online guestbook, please visit www.rabenhorst.com