Lois Ellen Laura Zullig Greene

GREENE, LOIS ELLEN LAURA ZULLIG, age 80, of Mountain Brook, Alabama, passed away on May 14, 2026, leaving behind a family who adored her and a lifetime of cherished memories. Lois was born on December 6, 1945, in Morristown, New Jersey, and grew up in Princeton, New Jersey, where she met the love of her life, an Alabama boy named Ri, while he was attending graduate school at Princeton University — the beginning of a devoted partnership and marriage that would span 44 years.

She is survived by her children: Laura Rolinha Greene Silsbee (Mead), Ernest Rinaldo Greene III (Kristin), Ellen Victoria Greene Miles (Nick), and Max McKeen Greene; her beloved grandchildren: William Parker Mead Silsbee IV, Charles Byron Silsbee, Lassiter Jeremiah Silsbee, Nicholas Daniel Miles, Jr., Raleigh Wilson Miles, Trigg Greene Miles, Kassidy Marie Martin, Lydia Bernier Greene, and Ernest Rinaldo Greene IV; along with her sweet puppy, Lilibet, extended family members, and dear friends who loved her deeply.

She was preceded in death by her husband of 44 years, Ernest Rinaldo “Ri” Greene, M.D., Ph.D.; her grandchildren, Mary and Joseph Silsbee; her parents, Max and Mary Zullig; and other cherished family members.

Lois graduated from Notre Dame High School in New Jersey and later attended Moore College of Art in Philadelphia, where she earned her Bachelor of Arts degree in Studio Art with a concentration in painting. A gifted artist and talented interior designer, Lois had an extraordinary eye for beauty, color, and detail.

Whether she was painting, decorating a home, searching for antiques, or researching fine china and sterling silver patterns, she approached life with creativity, curiosity, and elegance. Friends and family often turned to her for design advice, and she had a remarkable ability to make every space feel beautiful, welcoming, and uniquely personal.

Lois was a devoted wife, mother, grandmother, artist, and friend whose life centered around family, faith, and creating a warm and welcoming home. She possessed a steadfast strength, gracious spirit, and deep love for those around her. She had a gift for making people feel cared for, comfortable, and remembered.

Throughout her life, Lois was known for her kindness, loyalty, and enduring devotion to her family. She shared in the many adventures and intellectual pursuits of her husband, Ri, while also creating the steady foundation that anchored their family through the years. Her love and encouragement shaped the lives of her children and grandchildren, and her influence will continue for generations.

Nothing brought Lois greater joy than being “Mom” and “Lolly.” She loved family gatherings, holidays around the table, watching her grandchildren grow, and creating traditions that brought everyone together. Her home was always warm, welcoming, and filled with conversation, laughter, and love.

She especially enjoyed spending time at Lake Martin, traveling, decorating, cooking for family, dining out with friends, and quiet moments spent with her beloved dog, Lilibet. She loved beautiful things — art, antiques, collected treasures, thoughtfully set tables, and homes filled with warmth and character. Lois always loved to take the long way home (a.k.a. “the scenic route”) so she could admire the beautiful homes in Mountain Brook. Lois also cherished her women’s fellowship group at St. Francis Xavier Church, where she formed many treasured friendships over the years.

Though her family is heartbroken by this loss, they are deeply grateful for the love and grace she brought into their lives every day. Her children will forever carry forward the traditions, creativity, faith, and love she so beautifully gave to all of them.

Services will be held under the direction of Ridout’s Valley Chapel in Homewood (205-879-3401). Visitation will be on Wednesday, May 20, from 5:30 p.m. to 7:00 p.m. at Ridout’s Homewood. The funeral service celebrating Lois’s life will be held on Thursday, May 21, at 2:30 p.m. at St. Francis Xavier Church, followed by her burial at Elmwood Cemetery.

The funeral will be online for those who are unable to attend in person here: https://www.sfxbirmingham.com/watch-funerals/.

In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made in her memory to the Pulmonary Fibrosis Foundation (https://www.pulmonaryfibrosis.org).