Bettye Jane Greer

Bettye Jane Smith Greer was born December 9, 1931, in Chireno TX, to Oren and Grace (Fuller) Smith. Bettye was the third daughter with sisters Dorris and Orene.

Bettye was a gifted student and was valedictorian of her high school class and attended Stephen F. Austin University. She was raised in Nacogdoches County, Texas.

She was the devoted wife of Bill Greer, her sweetheart and partner of 48 years. They moved to Diboll in the 1950’s where they became cherished members of the community. Together they built a life centered on faith, family and hard work, raising two children, James and Jean, and sharing countless memories side by side. Bettye worked many years with the Diboll ISD, where she was well loved by colleagues and students alike. She worked alongside Bill, supporting him at school, and also helping him raise cattle, at their Family Farm in Blackjack.

Her faith in Jesus was a cornerstone of her life. As a long time member of First Baptist Church of Diboll, she worshiped faithfully and gave generously of her time. She was instrumental in organizing the church history center and the historical designation marker in front of the church. She was active with her Sunday school class and Super Seniors. She was a member of the Garden Club and volunteered at the Diboll History Center. She enjoyed attending city events and reunions and maintaining lifelong friendships.

Over the years, she and Bill shared many adventures in their RV, exploring Alaska, Canada and national parks across the U.S.A. In later years, she and her friend, Garvis Baldree, visited the Biltmore Estate, Vermont, Jackson Hole, WY and even Luckenbach, TX.

At home, Bettye found happiness in life's simple pleasures like gardening and enjoying the greenhouse and watching the birds while sitting on the porch with a cup of coffee. She loved spending time with dear friends including her friend Peggy Burt. Bettye maintained an independent lifestyle well into her 80's, even driving across the country to see her children and grandchildren.

Her legacy lives on through her children, grandchildren and great-grandchildren, whom she loved deeply and saw as often as she could.

Left behind to cherish her memories are her daughter; Jean and husband Michael McCollum of Naples FL, daughter-in-law Becky Greer of Shelbyville TX, grandchildren; Kelly and John Matlaga, Cody and Rebecca McCollum, Collin and Courtney Greer, and Kristen and Greg Clark, great-grandchildren; Scarlett Morgan Matlaga, Luke Everett Matlaga, Quincy Jean Matlaga, Savannah Grace McCollum, Conor James McCollum, Carter Michael McCollum, Camille Addison Greer, Carter Blake Greer, Clayton Wade Clark, Kori Jane Clark.

Bettye is preceded in death by her parents, Oren and Grace Smith, her dear husband, Bill Greer, her precious son James Greer, and sisters, Dorris Hamblen and Orene Kiger.

She will be remembered as a loving daughter, wife, mother, aunt, sister, grandmother, great-grandmother and friend. Her steady presence will be missed by all who knew her, but our hope is in Jesus, His resurrection and eternal life.

In lieu of flowers, donations can be made in her honor to First Baptist Church of Diboll.

Visitation will be held at First Baptist Church, 208 Devereaux St., Diboll, TX, 75941, on May 2, 2026, from 10:00 a.m. to 11:00 a.m., followed by a Celebration of Life at the same location beginning at 11:00 a.m.

A Committal Service will take place at Garden of Memories Memorial Park, 5205 South First Street, Lufkin, TX 75901.