Sally Anderson Greene's Obituary
Sally Anderson Greene, 85, of Memphis, Tennessee, passed away on Wednesday, December 8, 2021. She was born on November 4, 1936, to Richard and Verna Anderson, and grew up in Rock Island, Iowa, and Dallas, Texas. Sally attended Southern Methodist University, and in 1973, she married the love of her life, John M Greene, Jr.
Sally was an active member of Independent Presbyterian Church where she loved decorating the sanctuary for the holidays, attending bible study, and exercise classes in the gym. She served as the President of the Woman’s Exchange of Memphis in 2000, then worked as their Manager, and later volunteered in the shop for years. She also worked at John Hoover Flowers where she became a gifted floral arranger.
Sally was lovingly called “Sassy” by her grandchildren and great-grandchildren, loved to build drip sandcastles at the beach with them, and never missed an opportunity to add oysters to their food (much to their dismay). She was stunningly beautiful with an eccentric style, and she had an affinity for bold colors, high heels, shopping, and instant coffee. Parties at Sassy’s house were elaborate, always completed with the most gorgeous holiday tablescapes, and she’d greet you at the door with a glass of good—or probably just mediocre—wine. If you knew her, you know she could cook, loved to dance, had the very best laugh, and she most certainly made you feel at ease in her presence while calling you “dear.”
She is survived by her husband of 47 years, John Greene; her son, Richard Rieves (Rachel) of Memphis, TN; five grandchildren—Whitney (Jed), Grace (David), Ashley (Nathan), Loyd (DeeAnn), and Amy Katherine (Thomas); nine great-grandchildren—Braden, Bennett, Silas, Kiley, Hammond, Larkin, Wilder, Harper, Gracie, and Jonah; her niece, Kathleen (Barry); and her great-niece, Rachel (Daniel).
She was preceded in death by her parents; her sister, Barbara Anderson; and her son, Elton Allison Rieves, IV (Nancy).
The family will begin receiving friends at 10:30 at Independent Presbyterian Church (4738 Walnut Grove Road, Memphis, TN) in the Rotunda, on Wednesday, December 15, prior to a memorial service in the Sanctuary at 11:45.
In lieu of flowers, the family suggests memorial donations be made to the Downtown Church Building Fund. Downtown Church, PO Box 3923, Memphis, TN 38107 (Memo: Building Fund), or go to www.downtownchurch.com/give.
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