TIFTON — Winnie Duke Greer, daughter, wife, mother, grandmother, great-grandmother, sister, aunt, teacher, business woman, church woman, and friend to many, died on Nov. 11, 2009, in her home surrounded by her family. She was born May 10, 1917 in Reynolds, the fourth child of the late Susie Pearl Davis and William Clifford Duke.

Funeral services will be held at 4 p.m. today in the First United Methodist Church of Tifton. The family will be receiving friends 2:30 until 3:30 p.m. today in the Southwell Parlor at the church prior to the service.

Officiating and participating will be Dr. Glenn Martin, Dr. Gilbert Ramsey, Dr. Perry Mobley, Ms. Susan Greer Burton and Ms. Jeane Duke Mobley.

She attended Georgia Southwestern College in Americus and taught school for two years in Macon County where she met the love of her life, William Thomas Greer. They were married July 14, 1938. Three children were born to Mr. and Mrs. Greer: an infant daughter who died at birth; a son, William Thomas Greer, Jr.; and a daughter, Linda Greer Burton. Bill Greer preceded his beloved wife, Winnie, in death on Feb.14, 2000. They were happily married for 61 1/2 years.

Early in their marriage Winnie and Bill Greer lived in Cartersville, Donalsonville, Brunswick and Americus before settling in Tifton in 1948. The First United Methodist Church of Tifton became their church home. Winnie Greer was a lifelong devoted member. The church was central to her life and to the life of her family. She participated in every aspect of its program: taught Sunday School in the junior department for 18 years, taught Circle #9 and Circle #10 of United Methodist Women for many years, chaired the Parsonage Committee for 20 years and enjoyed making her pastor’s home as lovely as possible. She also served as a member of the church’s Long Range Planning Committee.

Along with her active church life, she was highly involved in the community of Tifton as a parent volunteering in its schools in various capacities, and a member of the Garden Club, and the Woman’s Club. Always devoted to her family and home, she was well known for her culinary gifts, especially her cakes. She served memorable meals. Invitations to her table were cherished. Because of her kind and generous spirit she performed countless thoughtful acts of friendship, often taking the delicious creations of her kitchen to neighbors, friends, family, and other people in distress, grief, or need. The Exchange Club of Tifton chose her for their prestigious Golden Deeds Award in 1990.

Mrs. Greer is survived by her son, William Thomas Greer Jr., and his wife, Fann Dewar Greer, of Norfolk, Va.; daughter Linda Greer Burton and her husband, Joe W. Burton, of Raleigh, N.C.; granddaughter Susan Greer Burton and her husband, Daniel Hall, of Washington D.C.; grandson William Thomas Greer III and his wife, Carrie Meade Greer, of Roanoke, Va.; grandson Robert Dewar Greer of Asheville, N.C.; grandson David Benjamin Greer and his wife, Amanda Womble Greer, of Richmond, Va.; grandson Joseph Burton and his wife, Shelby Jennings Burton, of Chicago, Ill.; great-granddaughters Maya Elizabeth Burton-Hall and Ella Greer Burton-Hall of Washington, D.C. and Meade Alison Greer of Roanoke, Va.; great-grandsons William Thomas Greer IV and Martin Dewar Greer of Roanoke, Va.; sisters Elisabeth Duke King of Cordele; Ruth Duke Beckett of Orlando, Fla.; and Jeane Duke Mobley and her husband Perry Mobley of Florence, S.C.; brothers Jule D. Duke of Athens, Tenn.; and Lewis Duke of Americus; and many loving nieces, nephews, and dear friends. Mrs. Greer’s family expresses deep appreciation to Irene Blaylock and Tracy Malone for devotion that far exceeded friendship.

Albritton-Beaumont Funeral Directors are in charge of arrangements.

Memorial gifts can be made to First United Methodist Church of Tifton, 107 West 12th St., Tifton, GA 31794