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Eleanor Greene Obituary
Louise was born on September 22, 1920, to John Blake Watson and Sarah Ray Birmingham in Wadesboro, NC. She was preceded in death by her parents, her sister, Margaret Coble; her brother, J.B. Watson Jr.; and her son-in-law, Larry Griffin. She was the proud mother of four daughters, Anne Greene, Sally Barbee, Marjorie Griffin, and Margaret Streeter (spouse Andrew Stangel). Louise was ""Grandma"" to four grandsons, Charles Barbee (wife Tina), Robert Barbee (wife Cristy), Christopher Griffin (wife Jamie), Nicholas Griffin and great-grandmother (""GG"") to Sierra Barbee. She also had three grand-dogs and five grand-cats, whom she loved dearly.
Louise was very outgoing and a wonderful story-teller. In her younger days she loved to hunt, fish, dance, and sing. She attended the University of North Carolina in Greensboro (Woman's College) and majored in Education and Music. During the time she was in college she taught Bible School in a small mountain community near Bryson City, NC. There she met the man she later married, Charles (Red) E. Greene.
Louise became known to friends and family as ""Ma"" Greene. After she retired from teaching, ""Ma"" enjoyed traveling, gardening, and working with social, educational, and Christian organizations. She loved the mountains as well as the beach, thus North Carolina was the perfect place for her to live. She made the most of her life here.
The family of Louise will receive friends from 6 to 8 p.m. Thursday, March 9th at the First Christian Church in Richlands. There will be a celebration of her life at 2 p.m. Friday, March 10th also at the First Christian Church, 124 Trott Road, Richlands. Burial will follow at the Onslow Memorial Park.
Condolences may be made at Johnsonfuneralhomes.com.
Arrangements by Johnson Funeral Home, Richlands.
To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.
Memories and Condolences
for Eleanor Greene
Roz Baggett
February 27, 2023
Ma Greene was a constant important figure in my teen years and in my early 20s. Being the romantic she was, she lived to play match makers. Thanks to her, with my husband we just celebrated 49 years of marriage. It's a long story but a terrific and funny one. Thanks Ma. You are missed and loved and mentioned often. Roz and Joe Baggett
March 26, 2017
Margaret and Andy-- we are sad to read of Margaret's mother's passing. We hope that your many happy memories of her will sustain you during this difficult time. Our thoughts are with you,
Bill & Sandie Peabody
Goffstown, NH
Susan Barbee Thomas
March 10, 2017
She was an angel to so many on earth. Now she is with the angels in Heaven. Wouldn't her life make a good movie. My heart and prayers are with you all for comfort as you miss her for now.
Brenda & Lee Pike
March 10, 2017
Ma Greene will surely be missed.So sorry for your loss.God has gained another angel.
Mary Anne Seaman
March 9, 2017
Anne, Sally, Marjorie, and Margaret, John and I are so sorry we are unable to be with you at this time. We are keeping you in our thoughts and prayers. We know what a difficult time this is for each of you. Your mom lived a very long life because of the four of you taking such good care of her. We loved looking at the video/pictures of you and Aunt Louise. She was so blessed to have her girls. We are so happy to know you have so many great memories to keep her alive in your hearts. You will see her again, but for now she is having a huge reunion in Heaven with Red, Aunt Margaret, our dad, and mom. Please stay in touch. Love always, Mary Anne Watson-Seaman and John B. Watson, III
Cecil Robinson
March 9, 2017
We send our condolences and love to my cousins. We haven't stayed in contact with each other but getting to see Aunt Louise
Margaret and Margie 3 years ago was really special.
Aunt Louise was still as I remembered her with her wit and knowledge.
You all are in our prayers and may God comfort you during this time.
Monica Roby
March 9, 2017
Margaret came into my life when I was 10. I became the 5th daughter and Ma Greene welcomed me as one of her girls. I remember her weeding in the flowers, plopped down on the ground, in a very Zen fashion, enjoying her flowers. Margaret and I polished silver together. We cleaned out her classroom in the summer and helped her prepare for the beginning of the new year in the fall. It was always fun "working" for her! Ma Greene included me like I was her own. What a life teacher for me. Her big smile and sparkling blue eyes will forever be with me. She may be the only one my mother had who understood how it felt to be an immigrant in Richlands. My mother was away from her family and roots most of her life and Ma Greene listened to her stories of home. In fact, Ma Greene raised the money to send my mother home to Newfoundland for several weeks. It was a dream come true for her. My mother would do anything for Ma Greene, but best of all, Ma Greene would do anything for her. I could write a book about my life as the 5th Greene girl, but I will stop here. My love to my Greene sisters; peace be with you as we celebrate her life.
Ray Byrns
March 8, 2017
you took me to my SAT in 1969, to the azalea festival, to the hospital after my vehicle mishap.to afraid to get my dad to take me or let my mom know. A second mom for sure. Gave good advise if I would have listened. Found her in Germany. Visited her in Richlands when time would let me.How she loved her azeleas. I will see her again.She is in my heart and as long as live I will remember her. She was one of a kind and a very dear friend.
Rosalyn Williams Baggett
March 8, 2017
Where to begin. Ma Greene has been woven in the fabric of my life since I was and teenager and rainbow girl. She was more than the mother of my friends, she was a second mother to me and so many others.
Ma was a romantic, a true romantic. 43 years ago I drove Ma to Newport News to visit "Red" for the weekend. During that weekend with her romantic ways, she introduced me to my husband and 5 weeks later we were married. She made the trek back to Newport News for the wedding.
Over the years when we would return to Richlands for a visit, a stop by her house was always on the list, if she was not out globe trotting. One of my sons recently said his most vivid memories of Ma Greene was the smell of cigarette smoke and old books - two of his favorite smells.
Want a special lady. Today, along with her girls I morn her passing and celebrate her life. Thank you Ma, you changed my life.
bj
March 7, 2017
From the grave I will redeem them.
From death I will recover them.
(Hosea 13:14) May the promise and
beautiful memories help to comfort
your hearts and cushion your grief.
With deep sympathy.
March 7, 2017
Mrs. Louise enjoyed such a good long, long life. So many cannot say the same. She was one of those the Bible call especially, especially strong. Ps. 90:10
May the God who gives peace be with all of you at this time of great sorrow.
Little Vance Greene
March 6, 2017
Although I hadn't seen her in such a long while. It saddens me to hear of her passing. I remember her laugh when she would visit and remember days of long ago. But her spirit is what I'll remember the most. She was a fiery little woman. But she could always make you feel welcome with her smile. Though we miss you now we will see you on Jordan's shore one day. God Bless!
Josie Gonzales
March 6, 2017
Loved her from the moment we met her. We will always remember her big smile and tales of her amusing life experiences. May the angels take her home and lead her into paradise. Our deepest sympathies and much love to all her loved ones.
Josie, Manuel, Manny & Ben Gonzales
Victoria Texas
Terry Jarman
March 6, 2017
"Ma Greene" was a sweet and loving lady. She had a big heart and always had a hug and kiss for those she came in contact with her. I'm certain when she got to the pearly gates, she had a hug and kiss for Jesus and the others that she has come in contact with thus far. My thoughts and prayers are with her family and friends.
Paul and Becky Byrns
March 6, 2017
Always a smile - she loved her fowers. A loving and gentle lady. May the Lord welcome her to her new Home; and, her family only remember her smiles and laughter.
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