Hattie Jean Veronica (Alexander) Greer

Hattie Jean Veronica (Alexander) Greer, 83, passed away on April 13, 2023, in her home after a long battle with Alzheimer’s disease. Hattie Jean was born on February 17, 1940, to Alston and Alma Alexander in Montgomery, Alabama. Shortly thereafter, the family moved back to Louisville, Kentucky. Hattie Jean, also known as Vickie, Gigi and Little Sister, graduated from Louisville Central High School in 1957. Her favorite subjects were science and math, which led her to participate in the First Aid Assistance Club and the Junior Red Cross Club. An outgoing and energetic student with a magnetic personality, Hattie Jean was a cheerleader and majorette. She captured the hearts of many and was selected as Ms. Louisville Defender cover girl in May 1957. From an early age, Hattie Jean enjoyed outdoor activities, and was particularly fond of going fishing with her father. Hattie Jean married Bozie Greer of Louisville, Kentucky on April 8, 1961, and the two recently celebrated 62 years of marriage. Her passion for science and her caring nature led her to pursue a career in healthcare. On July 1, 1961, Hattie Jean graduated as an X-ray technician from the Louisville General Hospital, which was affiliated with the University of Louisville School of Medicine. A pioneer of sorts, Hattie Jean was the only African American to graduate in her class. Following graduation, Hattie Jean had a long and distinguished career as a Radiologist Technician where she worked at Louisville Jewish Hospital, Ireland Army Hospital at Fort Knox, and with Dr. Ciliberti and Dr. Wijangco, a prominent primary care practice in Louisville. She was proud of each patient treatment opportunity and was especially fond of treating the many United States Army troops referred to her for medical imaging. As a testament to her affinity for caring for injured soldiers, Hattie Jean made the long back and forth drive from Louisville to Fort Knox every workday for eight years, traveling up and down Dixie Highway, one traffic light at a time. Hattie Jean also valued the many professional relationships she established with her colleagues throughout her long career. Hattie Jean was a devout and committed Roman Catholic and follower of Jesus Christ. A long-time member of Saint Martin De Porres Catholic Church, in recent years she often attended Saint Louis Bertrand Catholic Church. Hattie Jean thoroughly enjoyed listening to all music genres and attending live theatrical events and musicals. She was a long-time patron and supporter of Actors Theatre of Louisville and the Kentucky Center for Performing Arts. Her favorite theatrical shows were the Phantom of the Opera and the magical Chitty Chitty Bang Bang, which she saw in NYC on Broadway with several of her grandsons. She also enjoyed live Alvin Ailey American Dance Theater performances and was especially fond of their soaring performance of the famous Firebird ballet. Nothing brought Hattie Jean more joy than spending time with Bozie, her children and her grandsons - both at home and on frequent trips. She especially enjoyed an Alaskan cruise and a long Los Angeles visit where she was captivated by the Pacific Ocean and Santa Monica Beach. Hattie Jean also enjoyed collecting and refinishing antique furniture. A well-organized, efficient and tireless spouse, mother, family member, friend and teammate, Hattie Jean set a high standard for what was possible. Many have marveled at how she was able to accomplish all she did in her many capacities. Hattie Jean will be remembered for her kind, compassionate and loving spirit. She was the consummate giver who always put others first. Case-in-point - at various points in her life, she eagerly moved her mother and mother-in-law into her home to patiently and lovingly care for them as they reached their elder years – all while raising her own children and working full time. She lived by her three favorite quotes: 1) “Every day is a gift,” 2) You’re the wealthiest person in the world if you have your health,” and 3) Keep an open mind and a closed mouth.” Hattie Jean was predeceased by her father, Alston Alexander, her mother, Alma Alexander, and her brothers, James Luster Alexander and Alston Edward Alexander, of Louisville, and Jerome DePorres Alexander, of Woodbridge, Virginia. She is survived by her husband, Bozie Greer, son, Anthony Greer, daughter, Monica Renee (Greer) Johnson, sister, Mary Ann (Alexander) Hammond, grandson, Quinn Alexander Greer, grandson, Grant Alexander Johnson, grandson, Carlton Edward Johnson, and grandson, Christian Randolph Johnson. She also leaves to cherish her memory a host of dear and supportive relatives, in-laws and friends. The family thanks Hosparus Health, and especially Nurse Shuntai Paige and Nurse Emilie Doades, for the compassionate clinical care, advice and support they provided to Hattie Jean and the family over the past several years. Funeral and visitation services will be held on April 29, 2023, at Saint Martin De Porres Catholic Church, 3112 W. Broadway, Louisville. Visitation will occur from 9:00 – 10:30a, followed by words of remembrance from 10:30 – 11:00 and the funeral Mass at 11:00. Hattie Jean has requested that donations in her loving memory be made to Saint Martin De Porres Catholic Church. Arrangements entrusted to A. D. Porter & Sons Funeral Home, 1300 W. Chestnut St.

Hattie Jean Veronica (Alexander) Greer

February 17, 1940 - April 13, 2023