Elizabeth Africano Greer

Elizabeth (Betsy) Africano Greer passed away peacefully on Saturday, November 11, 2023, at her nursing home in St. Augustine, Florida, surrounded by her two daughters, Cynthia Greer Cowne and Elizbeth Greer Forrest. She is preceded in death by her beloved husband, George Burgess Greer, Jr. and her brother, Robert Africano, and niece, Stephanie Africano. She is also survived by her brother, Richard Africano (Michele), five grandchildren – Jake Randolph Cowne, Luke Greer Cowne, James Cameron Forrest, Kate Elizabeth Cowne, Justin Greer Forrest (Amanda), one great-grandson – Jaiden Greer Cowne, along with three nieces and three nephews. Elizabeth was born on October 23, 1937, in Jersey City, New Jersey, the daughter of Muriel Spinney Africano and Alfred Africano. She grew up in Caldwell, New Jersey and graduated from Grover Cleveland High School in 1955. She received her Bachelor of Arts degree from Douglass College, in the Department of Education,1959, in New Brunswick, New Jersey. She furthered her love of education, receiving her Master of Arts from the University of Northern Colorado, Curriculum & Instruction, 1979, in Greeley, Colorado and a Certificate in Administration from the University of Virginia,1982, at George Mason University, Fairfax, Virginia. Upon graduation from Douglass, she moved to Long Beach, California for her first teaching job, where she then met her beloved husband as a young Naval officer. George swept Betsy off her feet, proposing, “Marry me and see the world”, and so she did on January 28, 1960. From Panama, California, Colorado, and Japan, to Virginia, they raised the girls with a wealth of culture, adventure, love of community, family, and God. Betsy’s love for teaching expanded far beyond the classroom (and even into her early retirement from Fairfax County Public Schools, Virginia) when she and George moved to their forever home of St. Augustine, Florida, 1992. Betsy continued to substitute teach, became an active member of Trinity Episcopal Parish, served as a Guardian Ad Litem (GAL) for St. Johns County, was a contributing and life-long member of Delta Kappa Gamma, played weekly bridge, and traveled extensively with her beloved George, visiting most of the European countries, southern Africa, almost all of South America and the Caribbean, along with numerous road trips to spend treasured time with their grandchildren and daughters. Her most favorite destination over the last decade would be the three weeks spent each year for Christmas in Paradise Island, Bahamas. Through the last few years of Betsy’s life, she continued to be a teacher for all who came to know her if even for a moment. She handled pain better than a fighter champion in the ring and gave hope to pushing through trying times. Her greatest legacy of faith, patience, and love will be forever etched in the hearts of friends and family. A memorial service will be held at 1:00 pm on Wednesday, November 15, 2023, at Trinity Parish Episcopal Church at 215 St. George Street, Saint Augustine, Florida 32084. Interment will be held at Arlington National Cemetery, TBA. In lieu of flowers, please send donations to Trinity Parish – North Campus, or to a charity of your choice. St. Johns Family Funeral Home of St. Augustine is assisting the family with arrangements.

Elizabeth Africano Greer

October 23, 1937 - November 11, 2023