It is with a mixture of sweet joy and sadness that the family of Neva Nell Greer announces her homegoing on November 14, 2024. Lovingly called B'Mama by family and close friends, God graciously granted her many years beyond her "threescore and ten". She was born on November 12, 1925, and entered her 99th year two days before her death.
Neva grew up in the simpler, "olden", days learning as a child the necessity of hard work on the farm, perseverance in trials and unwavering love for God and family. Her mothering skills developed early, as she took care of her little sister, Ann, creating a bond between them that remained until God called Neva home. She experienced the woes of the Great Depression and the sorrows of World War II. Although she loved learning and playing high school basketball, Neva was a "daddy's girl" and happiest when working by his side in the fields.
In spite of the demands of helping on the farm, she graduated from high school in 1943, and chose marriage as her "higher education". She became a talented seamstress, amazing (no-recipe) cook and passionate gardener, in addition to the countless challenges of motherhood as her three daughters were born.
B'Mama flouished and thrived on ordinary, old-fashioned homemaking: a clean and orderly home, clothes billowing in the breeze on a clothesline, ironed linens on the tables for no occasion, cherished pets loved and spoiled, but always, friends and family welcomed at every opportunity. It was one of her greatest joys to prepare heart and home for family celebrations and holidays, church gatherings or just a simple visit with a friend. Her heart seemed to take flight, however, when she was helping someone or ministering to needs in her church or community.
The roots of a family tree begin in the hearts of two people, and Neva gave her heart exclusively to one man in 1943. Kyle Pete Greer, affectionately known as "Shorty", captured her heart with a love that endured for 72 years and until her final breath. Eloping at the tender age of 17, their lives became as one; working diligently side by side and sacrificing for family and each other side by side. B'Mama was never shy or hesitant to offer advice on marriage or other life issues. However, we learned those priceless lessons observing their daily example of steadfast love and commitment to each other. Their marriage left a legacy that continues to glorify God and that will live in the hearts of family for generations to come.
Neva and Kyle were humbled and honored to be charter members of Lakeside Baptist Church and served there faithfully for many years.
If B'Mama were writing her own story, she would undoubtedly delete all words of praise of her life and conclude with the following words of wisdom from Solomon and words of testimony from Paul, found in the Bible:
After, all this, there is only one thing to say: Have reverence for God and obey His Commands, for this is all that we were created for. ~ Ecclesiastes 12:13
For me to live is Christ, and to die is gain. ~ Philippians 1:21
We sincerely and gratefully thank every dear friend who prayed for Neva and expressed your love in so many ways. We extend an overwhelming thank you and appreciation to Guillermina Padron for her 16 years of selfless devotion and meticulous care to B'Mama. The bond and love they shared was both inspiring and a gift from God!
Neva is survived by three daughters: Jan and Joe Bob Wycough, Barbara Bridwell and Bev Yarbrough; foster daughters: Shawny Livingston, Salesha and Matt Wilkins, Briley Bolin and Wendy Everett; grandchildren: Marty and Dale Nace, Shelley and Rex Morgan, Wendy and Ken Cleveland, Kyle and Marlee Yarbrough, Blake and KeLe Yarbrough, Jake and Danielle Wycough, Justin and Torjie Wycough, Jenny and Chad Rush; 23 great grandchildren; 10 foster grandchildren; 12 great great grandchildren; sister, Ann Lee.
Preceded in death by parents, Sam and Odessa Terrell; husband, Kyle “Shorty” Greer; great-grandson, Kyle Rush; sons-in-law, Bobby Bridwell and Ray Yarbrough; brothers, Sam Terrell, Jr., Bobby Joe Terrell and Lon (Jack) Terrell.
COMPARTA UN OBITUARIOCOMPARTA
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