Janice D'Olive Wheeler Greer

Janice D'Olive Wheeler Greer, affectionately known as "Nee Nee" to her grandchildren and great-grandchildren, passed away peacefully at home, surrounded by her family, on August 31, 2026, at the age of 97. Born December 1, 1928, in Mobile, Alabama, Janice was the daughter of Murrell Rudolph Wheeler and Frankie Mae D'Olive Wheeler. She attended Leinkauf Elementary School, Barton Academy and Murphy High School and spent nearly all of her long life deeply rooted in the city and community she loved.

Janice met the love of her life, Jack Vidmer Greer, when she was just 15 years old, and she never looked back. After making her debut with Jack as her knight, the happy couple married on October 9, 1948, at Christ Episcopal Church. A month later, they moved to Petersburg, Virginia, for one year, one week and one day while Jack served in the United States Army. Their marriage spanned 71 years and created a family that became the center of Janice's life. Jack preceded her in death in 2019, but their remarkable love story remained very much a part of her until the end. Their beloved Sunny Cove on Mobile Bay - the place where they became sweethearts, were engaged, raised their family and made generations of memories - remained one of the defining places of her life. A 2026 CURRENTS magazine feature celebrated Janice at Sunny Cove and the Greer family's enduring devotion to Mobile Bay.

Janice was the middle of three daughters, with her sisters Mary Constance Wheeler Nolan and Julia Murrell Wheeler Nelson. She and Jack were blessed with four children: Jan Endfinger (Gene), Jack Greer (Sally), Tutta Cone, and Moo Martindale (George); 12 grandchildren - Greer, Jackson, Stephen, Claire, Lizzie, Julia, Lucy, Betsy, Murre, Hutch, Richard and Courtenay - and 25 great-grandchildren. She also loved her nieces, nephews, cousins and extended family dearly.

Her definition of family extended well beyond blood. Over the years, Janice and Jack opened their home to exchange students, young people and friends from near and far. Many became part of the family, especially Lillian Medina Frech. Her door was always open, and there was always room for one more.

Janice possessed a wonderful combination of grace and strength. A talented ballerina as a child, she was once recruited to move to Hollywood, an adventure her parents did not allow her to pursue. When she made her debut, she was the first to use Debutante Camellias for her bouquet at the Camellia Ball.

Upon returning to Mobile after Jack's military service, Janice and Jack joined Dauphin Way United Methodist Church. Beginning in 1950, they sang in the choir, taught Sunday School and joined Couples Club No. 5. Janice remained devoted to her church throughout her life and was the last original member of the Couples Club No. 5, remaining active through April 2026. In recognition of her years of devotion and service, she was named an Honorary Steward in 2024. She also participated in United Methodist Women, Bible studies and Guided by Grace for Widows- and sustained many of these friendships throughout her life.

Service to her community was another constant. Janice served as president of her local chapter and as State President of the Alabama State Society of the Colonial Dames XVII Century, an organization in which her mother was also a member. She was a sustainer of the Junior League of Mobile and a member of many other civic and cultural organizations. She served as president of both the Woman's Club of Belle Fontaine and the Belle Fontaine Garden Club. The Colonial Dames also helped secure the historic marker for the 1859 Toulminville School preserved at Sunny Cove Village. Janice and Jack hosted Christmas at Sunny Cove Village for more than 15 years.

Janice shared Jack's deep love of Mobile Bay. Their home at Sunny Cove became intertwined with the early history of Mobile Baykeeper, which began as West Bay Watch. In 2017, Mobile Baykeeper returned to Jack and Janice's home to celebrate its 20th anniversary at the place where its story had begun. Even at 97, Janice remained passionate about protecting the waters and way of life that had meant so much to her family. Janice ran the Lady Madonna Shop and brought her characteristic creativity and enthusiasm to everything she did. She loved flowers and her garden, traveling, playing bridge, painting, cooking, golf and tennis. But more than any hobby, organization or accomplishment, she loved people.

She was always thinking about others and finding ways to help them. She was sweet, loving, kind and deeply devoted to her family and friends. Her home was a gathering place, her door was always open, and afternoon coffee was a tradition. Those who came through her life were welcomed, remembered and cared for.

Janice was, in every sense, the definition of a Steel Magnolia - gracious and gentle, but extraordinarily strong. The final years of her life, including the challenges of living with diminishing eyesight, revealed that strength all the more. She continued to welcome people into her home, maintain her friendships, participate in the life around her and find joy in the family she and Jack had built together.

Janice was preceded in death by her beloved husband, Jack Vidmer Greer Sr. ; her parents, Murrell Rudolph Wheeler and Frankie Mae D'Olive Wheeler; her sisters, Mary Constance Wheeler Nolan and Julia Murrell Wheeler Nelson; her son-in-law, Louie Cone; her great-grandchild, Alan Foster; and her beloved dog, Brownie.

She leaves behind a family that stretches across generations and a legacy that reaches far beyond it - a legacy of faith, hospitality, service, friendship, family and love for Mobile and its Bay. For 97 years, Janice made people feel welcome. She opened her home, shared her table, served her church and community, loved her family fiercely and quietly helped countless others along the way.

The family is especially grateful for the loving support and care of many private caregivers, especially Rita, Angel, London, Carol, Liz and all the wonderful ladies from Home RN Nursing and Southern Care, whose kindness and devotion allowed Janice to remain in the home she loved.

Her door was always open. Her heart was, too.

On September 13, 2026, a private family ceremony will be held in the Chapel at Sunny Cove. A visitation and celebration for friends and family will follow from 4:00 to 6:00 p.m. at Janice’s home, 9525 Sunny Cove Road on Mobile Bay.

In lieu of flowers, memorial donations may be made to Mobile Baykeeper, Dauphin Way United Methodist Church, or a charity of your choice.