Visitation

March 18, 2023
10 a.m. - 11 a.m.

Service

March 18, 2023
11 a.m.

Committal

March 18, 2023
3 p.m.

Mary Louise Thomas Greene of Morganton NC, died Friday, March 10th, 2023 in Wilmington, NC.

Born on September 4th, 1926 in Rebels Creek, Mitchell County, NC, she was the daughter of the late Willie Mae Young Thomas and Dewitt Talmage Thomas.

Louise attended Micaville High School and then Blanton’s Business College. After graduation, she worked for the Army Air Force Communications Service as secretary to the Adjutant General. As a wife and mother, she graduated from Western Piedmont Community College with Honors, receiving her CDA license. She practiced as a dental assist in Morganton and taught dental assisting at Asheville-Buncombe Technical Community College. She was an active member of the North Carolina Dental Assistant Association and served as President of the Tri-County Dental Assistant Society. She was proud of her contribution to the UNC School of Dentistry’s training curriculum for future dental assistants of North Carolina. Louise was a devoted member of First Baptist Church of Morganton for over 40 years. She was a leader in the Cauble-Dorcas Sunday School Class. She accepted any opportunity to serve the church’s ministry, her community, and her family throughout her lifetime. A lifelong creative, skilled herbalist, and dedicated homemaker, she was a member of Alder Springs Herb Growers and the Burke Quilters Guild. Her blueberry pancakes and candy cane cookies were legendary.

In addition to her parents, Louise was preceded in death by her husband of 72 years, SgtMaj. George Greene USMC Ret.; and brothers James M. Thomas and David S. Thomas.

She is survived by her son, Thomas L. Greene of Red Hook, NY; daughters, Linda L. Greene Hedquist and spouse John, of Wilmington, NC and Karen L. Greene and spouse, Del Stephens, of Seattle, WA; granddaughter, Kelty-Brooke Bailey and spouse Addison J. Raine, of Chapel Hill, NC, grandson Aaron L.G. Hedquist of Boston, MA; great-granddaughter, Montgomery K. Raine of Chapel Hill, NC; brothers, Harry E. Thomas of Little River, SC and John M. Thomas of Neptune Beach, FL; and her beloved nieces and nephews.

The family will receive friends from 10 to 11 a.m., Saturday, March 18th, 2023 at First Baptist Church of Morganton, NC. The funeral will be held at 11 a.m. in the church with Dr. Thomas A. Bland, Jr. and Rev. Fred L. Schuszler officiating. The graveside service will be held at 3 p.m., Saturday at Lily Branch Baptist Church in Bakersville, NC.

Sossoman Funeral Home and Crematory Center is assisting the family with the arrangements.

Tribute Wall

Leave a tribute for Mary Louise Thomas Greene.

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There are certain people who touch the lives of those they know in a unique way. Knowing them brings us joy and inspiration, and when they're gone, memories of all they've done stay with us... Louise was one of those people to us. We are grateful to have known such a special person. Wishing your family strength and peace. Rex Y. & Nina L. Carpenter

—Nina L Carpenter

Thought the absolute world of George and Louise! Loved having them as neighbors and we were heartbroken when we heard of Louise’s passing. Louise was one of the sweetest individuals I have ever met and I know she is rejoicing her homecoming with her beloved George. We will continue to keep your family in our prayers.

—Amanda Kilgore

Loved her and her family GREAT memories when we were younger. Will see the family Saturday at Lily Branch

—Barbara Buchanan and Brenda Willis

As a Greene relative my wife & I got to know Louise & husband George later in their long life & found them to be an exceptional married couple & we spent some enjoyable times in our visits with them. I am proud to have known them personally & know that their exemplary human accomplishments on Earth are to be rewarded in His Kingdom. Cousin John W Greene

—John W Greene

I am so sorry to hear about the loss of Louise. When I first went to work at the "High Rise", George was #1 aggravating, but over the years I learned to love him, and after meeting Louise, I knew she was special. After George died, I unfortunately loss track of Louise.....My bad...... I am so sorry to hear about her demise .......our loss. It is a good feeling to know that George and Louise are together , and that we will see them, again someday.

—Phyllis D. Banner, RN, PAC, NC DOC, Retired

George and Louise, two of the kindest people We have ever met. Always a smile for everyone! Love and prayers to your family.

—Susan and Todd Peach

My heart goes out to you and your family. Thanks so much for sharing her outstanding accomplishments. What a special lady she was. You are in our thoughts and prayers during this time.

—Frankie Greene West

Linda, I am so sorry to hear about your mother. You and your family are in my thoughts and prayers.

—Shirley Dale
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Well done, dearest friend! With love

—Sue A. Durst
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You have given light to the world. I know this because your light is shining within me. I will honor you by trying to pass on this light. Thank you dear, sweet Aunt Louise!

—Sue Greene
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