Loretta Marie Greer

Loretta Marie Greer passed away peacefully at her Salem home June 4, 2013 after a brief illness. By her side was her devoted husband of 64 years Colonel Donald E. Greer, her loving daughter Heather and her youngest grandchild Katherine who she affectionately called Katydid. Salem had been Lorettas home for the past 11 years as she desired to move closer to her daughter. She and Don previously lived at The Landings in Skidaway Island, GA and McLean, VA. Born in Stockton, California on October 21, 1928 Loretta was the only child of Lon and Marie Walker. Her mother later remarried Jack Lyon who became another important influence in her life. Loretta was a member of the Daughters of California Pioneers Society. Loretta graduated with an Associate in Arts degree in 1948 from Stockton Junior College in Stockton California. It was there she met the love of her life, Don. They married in the college chapel of what is now The University of the Pacific. After their marriage Lorettas devotion to her husband and family took her on adventures around the world. She fully supported her husbands military pilot career in the Air Force during missions in both WWII and Korea, throughout the United States ending at the Pentagon. When Col Greer was recruited to help establish Communications Satellite Corporation( COMSAT), Loretta was his life co-pilot supporting her husbands executive role in the space race entertaining foreign officials , political figures and business leaders from around the world. Wherever her life travels took her, Loretta had a knack for immediately embracing the surroundings. At The Landings, Lorettas picture adorned the local newsletter touting either a golf tournament victory or a Hole In One. She embraced the Savannah culture in many social settings and was constantly attending functions of varied interest. In Salem Loretta was a Roanoke College Elder Scholar and enjoyed numerous outings with friends her family chided as her drinking buddies. From lectures to concerts, Loretta and her friends were always active. Loretta was quite the decorator and took a strong pride in her home. Green was her favorite color. Her keen insight in home dcor and design was always a sought opinion from many including her two daughters. She loved to study floor plans and had the ability to know what was needed and what worked. Her talents also extended to the outside of her home as yard work was a passion and flowers loved her touch. Loretta loved fashion and shopping was a passion. She was known for her tastes and always looked polished, like the elegant lady she was.. Loretta was preceded in death by her parents Lon Walker, Marie W. Lyon and Jack Lyon. Survivors include her husband Don Greer; two daughters, Rhonda Falk her husband Mike of Flower Mound TX, and Heather Nelson and her husband Wally of Blacksburg; six grand children, Brett Bourgeois, Crandall Turner, Jay Nelson and his wife Tory, Krysti Nelson, T J Bourgeois, and Katherine Nelson; one great grandchild, Jackson Nelson; a close cousin Richard Gaedtke and his wife UnaBelle; and two special family acquaintances, Shannon Murphy and Justin Delgado. The family would like to thank all of the loving support from the caregivers of Home InStead and Good Samaritan Hospice. Funeral services will be held at the First United Methodist Church in Salem on Saturday, June 8, 2013 at 3 p.m. with a reception to immediately follow the service. Loretta will be laid to rest in a private family burial. In lieu of flowers the family asks for consideration be given to University of the Pacific/Stockton Junior College, 3601 Pacific Avenue Stockton CA 95211.