Mathie Mae Greer

Mathie “Ms. Mae” has left this foreign land and entered her permanent home on August 26, 2026.

Ms. Mae was born on March 20, 1944, in Sallis, Mississippi where she was raised by her parents, Doster and Willie Mae (Wise) Phillips.

In 1963, Mathie married R.L. Greer and through their union had three daughters, they later separated. In 1965, Mathie left Mississippi and relocated to Waterloo, IA where she met Charlie Mabry and through that relationship three sons were born.

In 1978, Ms. Mae earned her GED, and in 1980, she began working as an inspector for John Deere. After her time there ended, she devoted herself to caring for her seven children. As her children grew older, she returned to work as a school bus driver for Waterloo Community Schools, where she worked for 36 years before retiring in 2020.

Ms. Mae was a woman of God and a member of Palestine Chapter #28 of the Eastern Star, where she served as Worthy Matron of her local chapter. She was also one of the founding members of Singles for Christ through her home church, Savior Missionary Baptist Church. Through her dedicated involvement with Singles for Christ, the God-inspired idea for Feed the Community was born. An avid cook, Ms. Mae became the guiding chef for the community meals, helping serve as many as 500 people at one gathering.

Bold and loving, Ms. Mae spoke her mind with care and conviction. She was an amazing mother, a gifted cook, a trusted friend and confidant, a mentor, and a source of encouragement and comfort to many. She welcomed those in need, shared her wisdom generously, and touched countless lives throughout her journey.

She is preceded in death by her parents; two grandsons, Antwaun D. Greer and Rasi M. Gary; one great-granddaughter, Ariel Phillips; two sisters, Dorothy D. Evans and Zella M. Harmon; three brothers, Luther J. Phillips, Dotson L. Phillips, and Lary J. Phillip; and sons she earned through love, Sherman Wise and Luther “Nick” Phillips.

Ms. Mae leaves her lasting marks and legacy to four daughters, Linda J. Phillips, Vicky A. Jordan, Dorothy D. Gary, and Antonette Greer, all of Waterloo; three sons, Antonio Greer of Waterloo, Patrick G. Greer, and Shun L. Greer, both of Sioux Falls, SD; three sisters, Margaret B. Coffee, Joe Betty Snow, both of Sallis, MS, and Hattie L. Riley of Durant, MS; four brothers, Willie Phillips of Oelwein, Johnnie L. Phillips of Durant, MS, Johnston Phillips and Euguene Phillips both of Waterloo; one great-uncle, Herman Wise, Sr. of Waterloo; sixteen grandchildren; along with a host of nieces, nephews, and cousins.

God said unto them, be fruitful and multiply – Genesis 1:28.

Homegoing Service: Family will receive friends from 9:00 a.m. until 11:00 a.m. on Saturday, September 12, 2026, at Union Missionary Baptist Church, Waterloo. Homegoing Service at 11:00 a.m. with burial following at Garden of Memories Cemetery.

Lock at Tower Park is serving the family. Please visit lockefuneralservices.com to offer your condolences.