The entire Alabama A&M University Family poured out its deepest sympathy and heartfelt sorrow for the untimely loss of one of the University’s greatest supporters—Ms. Diann Henley Greer. 

“Ms. Greer was not only a dedicated staff member who served as a phenomenal Director of Student Activities and Leadership Development, but she was a source of inspiration to hundreds of students, faculty and staff,” stated Dr. Daniel K. Wims, president.

Wims praised Greer’s “attention to detail” and her success at bringing together quality programs and other activities for the University community. 

Greer was a 1988 graduate of AAMU and pledged Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority, Inc., Gamma Mu Chapter.  In addition to her most recent role in Student Activities and other prior units at AAMU, Greer worked in the Office of Multicultural Affairs at the University of Alabama in Huntsville (UAH).

The University community and public was invited to a memorial service sponsored by the Office of Student Activities on Wednesday, November 2, at Alabama A&M University’s Elmore Gymnasium at 12 noon. Erica Fox Washington of AAMU's Electronic Media Communications (EMC) served as the mistress of ceremony.

During the memorial service, Cameron Gildersleeve, president of the Student Advisory Board, provided scripture and a prayer of comfort.  Music was provided throughout the service by the Alabama A&M University Gospel Choir, directed by AAMU staffer Courtney Moore.  Former AAMU student affairs administrator Kyla Pitcher returned to offer reflections.

Dr. Pitcher referred to Greer as a "burst of sunshine," who was always busy, active and on the move.  The multitalented Greer was deeply motivated by students, who constantly gave her life and joy, Pitcher said.  

Pitcher went on to recount the many lessons she learned from Greer in terms of hair and cosmetics, pets, power-naps, establishing a great network, benevolence, perseverance, tenacity and serving students.

"She loved people, life and God," noted Pitcher, in conclusion. "She poured out to the earth everything that the Lord put in her.  I am going to work hard to honor her" by heeding her many lessons.

Minister Anita Weathers of Union Chapel Missionary Baptist Church of Huntsville, Ala., was Greer's close friend.  She encouraged the audience, depending upon their station in life, to "be the light," "leave the light on," or to "seek the light." 

Dr. Braque Talley, vice president for student affairs, said Greer was widely known for her wide range of attributes.  "People would tell you about her multitude of skills that included everything from decorations to makeup. They would also talk about how she would constantly strive for perfection, even though reaching such standards meant overcoming numerous obstacles. But, finally, they would all say that she was the essence of the University’s motto: 'Service Is Sovereignty.'  As we reflect here today, let us fondly remember Ms. Greer and her legacy of service to this University and its people."

President Wims read and presented a resolution in tribute to Ms. Greer, and Pastor Willie Diggs of the Beacon Hill Worship Center closed out the ceremony with prayer.  The ceremony, which ended outside the venue with a balloon release, was live streamed on AAMU's YouTube channel via EMC's Michael Morns, with sound and other technical expertise provided by Michael Burns and Latoyia Clemons.

The funeral service for Ms. Greer was slated for 10 a.m. on November 5 at Cedar Grove Baptist Church, 210 West Clark Avenue, in Prichard, Ala.  Viewing was scheduled for 9 a.m.  Live Streaming Info (provided by K. Renee Johnson): 

• Visit the website of smallsmortuary.com 
• Select Obituaries & Guestbook
• Click on Ms. Greer's picture,
•  Select Photo & Videos and the link for the live stream should be accessible

Cards and flowers to:  Small’s Mortuary, 950 S. Broad Street, Mobile, AL 36603.

- J. Saintjones