J. V. "Papa J" Greer

J. V. “Papa J” Greer, of Columbia, Mississippi, joined his sweetheart in God’s presence on Valentine’s Day 2024 at the age of 90. He was born in Columbia, Mississippi to Cicero and Roxie Greer and has remained a lifelong resident of Marion County. Papa J graduated from Bunker Hill High School then served our country in the U.S. Navy during the Korean War. He enjoyed gardening and loved sharing his produce with family and friends. Known for giving everyone a nickname, Papa J was a great conversationalist and a great storyteller. He thoroughly enjoyed his front porch conversations. He was a member of Good Hope Baptist Church. Papa J will be remembered as a devoted husband who loved his family deeply.

In addition to his parents, he was preceded in death by three sisters, Bud Donahue, Bobbie Haddox, and Marguerite Burton; a brother Gerald Greer; and his beloved wife of 66 years, Lizzie “NaNa” Greer. Papa J is survived by two children, Dale Greer (Angela) and Brenda Montgomery (Brian); two sisters, Betty Jo Broome (James) and Blanche Evansten (Linda); a brother, Tommy Greer; four grandchildren, Brice Montgomery, Dallas Webb, Jensen Hitt (Zach), and Braden Montgomery; two great-grandchildren, Vaeda Hitt and Ainsley Hitt; and numerous nieces and nephews.

The funeral service, officiated by Reverend Tommy Broom, will be at Colonial Funeral Home on Saturday, February 17, 2024 at 12:00pm. Friends may visit with the family from 9:00am until service time. Burial will follow in Improve Baptist Church Cemetery assisted by Zach Hitt, Braden Montgomery, Tyler Terry, Daniel Terry, Ratliff Fortenberry, Allan Pearson, and Craig Stringer serving as pallbearers.