Bettye Lee Greer

Bettye was always on the go, seizing every opportunity to get out of the house. The moment anyone uttered the words, “let’s go,” she was instantly at the door. She was truly in her element when she was active and on the go. Even at 92 she was as spry as a cricket!

Born on November 29, 1933 to the late Paskle Jonas and Lillie Dell (Lyttle) Greer, Bettye was the fourth of nine children: five boys and four girls. She grew up in Marshall County, Lewisburg, Tennessee and was baptized at an early age at Rocky Point Church of Christ, Belfast, Tennessee. Bettye attended Jones Training School graduating in 1952. She received her bachelor’s degree in Business from Tennessee State University. For six years post-graduation from TSU, Bettye taught business education courses to high school students in Somerville and Shelbyville, Tennessee.

In 1964, Bettye relocated to Indianapolis, Indiana to live with her late sister, Helen Malone. Shortly after her move to Indianapolis, Bettye placed her membership with the Kingsley Terrace Church of Christ. Bettye earned a master’s degree in Elementary Education from Ball State University, Muncie, Indiana. She spent the rest of her teaching career as an elementary education teacher in the Indianapolis Public School system for over 36 years, retiring in 1997.

Bettye loved being involved in church work. She served on several church ministries, such as the Bus and Zone ministries. She was the chairperson of the Women’s Bereavement Ministry, and Bettye taught Sunday School for decades. After retirement Bettye assisted the church secretary in a variety of tasks. She answered the phone, managed the church calendar, produced the weekly church bulletin and updated the membership directory as needed. Bettye remained an active and faithful member of Kingsley Terrace for over fifty years.

Bettye was one of the founders of the Tennessee State Alumni Indianapolis Chapter. She was a dedicated member of the TSU Alumni Indianapolis Chapter working tirelessly as Treasurer for over twenty years to support her HBCU alma mater. She served on the Board of Directors at Tennessee State University for many years as well. Bettye was an avid sports participant and fan. She played basketball and volleyball in high school. As a sports fan, she enjoyed watching football, basketball, baseball, tennis, and the Indianapolis 500 Race.

Bettye was preceded in death by her parents, Paskle and Lillie; her brothers, Charles, Paskle, Paul, and James Sr. Greer, her sisters, Helen Malone and Lois Johnson, and her nieces, Barbara Nash and Janett Chambers.

She is survived by her brother; Ronald Coleman (Louise) Greer and sister Claudine Lillie Greer; her nieces Joanne Chambers, Allie Amos, Celis Malone, Rochelle Bryant, Ritchie (Karen) Greer, Dr. Allie Kenitra (Chris) Fitts and James (DeOnica) Greer Jr.; and a host of great nieces and nephews, other family members, and many loyal and faithful friends who will miss her sharp quick wit and clever humor. The love Bettye shared will continue to live on in the lives she touched, forever.