- Date Of Birth: January 4, 1929
- Date Of Death: January 14, 2018
- State: Illinois
Edith Merle (Phillips) Greer (January 4, 1929 – January 14, 2018) Edith Merle (Phillips) Greer, age 89 of Champaign and formerly of Centralia went home to be with her Heavenly Father on Sunday, January 14, 2018, at Champaign Urbana Nursing and Rehab in Savoy, IL surrounded by her daughters. Edith was born January 4, 1929, in rural Centralia the sixth child of Sevearn Dewitt and Della Faye (Snider) Phillips.
She married Joe Donald Greer on June 6, 1950, at the Zion Hill Baptist Church in rural Centralia, and he preceded her in death on January 16, 2015.
Mrs. Greer is survived by her three daughters, Karen Sue Bourne and husband Marshall of Argenta, Mary Jo Wheatley of Champaign, and Jane Ann Greer of St. Joseph; adopted daughters, Jennifer Nigg and daughter Megan of Champaign and Barbara Babb of St. Joseph; six grandchildren, Chad Wheatley and wife Kristin of Arnold, MO, Matthew Bourne and wife Amanda of Whitestown, IN, Jason Wheatley and wife Megan of St. Joseph, A.J. Bourne and Lisa Shreffler of Monticello, Jackson and Kennedy Greer of St. Joseph; 4 great-grandchildren, Reese, Raegan, and Roman Wheatley and Harvey Bourne.
Also, surviving are her sisters-in-law, Bonnie Phillips and Frieda Phillips of Centralia, Joyce Phillips of Oswego, and Barbara Phillips of Salem. She was a loving Aunt to many nieces and nephews. Mrs. Greer also leaves a cherished church family at the Zion Hill Baptist Church.
She was preceded in death by her husband and parents, a sister, Helen Rose (Phillips) Richardson and husband Raymond; along with six brothers, John Phillips and wife Ruth, Vernon “Tag” Phillips and wife Ruby, Sevearn L. Phillips Jr., Richard H. Phillips, Dr. Tom Phillips, and Jerry Phillips. Edith lived most of her life in Centralia. She attended Zion Hill Grade School and graduated with the Class of 1947 from Centralia Township High School. She made a profession of faith and was baptized at the Zion Hill Baptist Church on June 23, 1940. Her church remained of the utmost importance in her life. She served Zion Hill as a Sunday School Teacher, Clerk, and many other positions. Upon her passing, she had been the longest-serving member of the church. While living in Fisher, IL for 18 years, she found her love for fabric and worked at Factory Fabrics in Fisher, IL. Edith being known as a Master seamstress, upon returning to Centralia in 1981, she had owned and operated Greer’s Factory Fabrics. She worked at Kelly’s for the Occasion doing alterations and sewing bridal gowns. In her later years, she operated the Nimble Thimble from her home. She was a matriarch of the “Jolly Quilters Club”. Edith worked hard, was kind to everyone, and was always willing to help those in need. She was loved dearly for her cheerful laugh and kind smile.
