Evangelist Jessie Greer

Evangelist Missionary Jessie Rose Greer January 10, 1943 – October 20, 2025 "Well done, thou good and faithful servant… enter thou into the joy of thy Lord." (Matthew 25:21) Evangelist Missionary Jessie Rose (Tanksley) Greer entered eternal rest surrounded by her loved ones on October 20, 2025, at 10:11 p.m. in Saginaw, Michigan. She was born on January 10, 1943, in Meridian, Mississippi, to the late Murry Sr. and Sylva (Pruitt) Tanksley. From an early age, Jessie Rose embodied faith, compassion, and resilience. Growing up in a large, close-knit family, she learned the importance of hard work, prayer, and community. She was preceded in death by her parents; eleven siblings: Alice, Josephine, Cepheus Ray, Luna Mae, Osami, Beadie, Kola, Murry Jr., Douglas, Ray Cee, and Willar Dean; and her beloved daughter, Gail Greer. In 1963, Jessie Rose met the love of her life, Tommy Greer. One year later, they were united in holy matrimony, beginning a lifelong partnership grounded in love, service, and faith. Together they shared 62 beautiful years, walking hand in hand through every season of life. Their union was a shining example of covenant love and devotion. They raised four children in a home filled with laughter, prayer, and encouragement, and after the loss of their daughter Gail, they lovingly raised her children as their own. A devoted wife, mother, grandmother, and great-grandmother, Jessie Rose was the heart of her family. She carried herself with grace and humility, and her wisdom was often sought by relatives and friends alike. She is survived by her children Edith (Otis) Adams, Broderick (Shanda) Greer, and Tess (Leslie) Quarles; grandchildren Danitra and Jo’Vion Greer, Jacobi, Ashley, and William Brewer, Broderick Jr., Janei’, and Alexis Greer, Kyla Jackson, Andrea (David) Wade, and Briana Greer; great-grandchildren Zaria Williams, Justice and Paradise Brewer, Zamara Williams, Passion Horrison, George Smithers Jr., Braylen Brewer, Peyton Conway, Khalil Coleman, Kensley Pennywell, and Koby Young; and great-great-grandchildren Khari Lee, Justice Brewer Jr., and Princetin Horrison. She cherished her extended family deeply, celebrating milestones, attending reunions, and nurturing close bonds across generations. She shared a lifelong and cherished relationship with her niece, Aundre Mae Buckley, who was more like a sister than a niece. Jessie Rose also shared a very special spiritual bond with Doll Phillips, her “daughter in the Lord,” who was a great help and source of strength over the past several years. In addition, she loved Cheryl Buriel as a faithful companion in ministry, and as if she were an adopted daughter, covering her in prayer and pouring into her with motherly wisdom, encouragement, and unconditional love. Jessie Rose accepted Christ and was baptized at an early age in Mississippi. After moving to Michigan, she continued her walk with the Lord through the Church of God in Christ, where her faith and leadership would flourish. She served faithfully at Greater Williams Temple, Living Waters Ministries, and within the North Central Michigan Jurisdiction. She was First Lady of Living Waters for over 40 years, exemplifying grace, strength, and unwavering support. Within the Jurisdiction, she was known for her excellence and commitment to ministry. She served as Elect Lady of the Evangelist Department, President of the Examining Board for Missionaries, and Organizer of the Institute Hour for Women. She also provided invaluable support to Jurisdictional Supervisors Mother Lena Mason Lucas and Mother Corene Wade-Adams. Through every title and position, she remained steadfast in her mission to uplift others, always leading with humility and purpose. Her ministry extended far beyond formal roles. Jessie Rose was an Evangelist, Missionary, and Prayer Warrior whose heart for God and people was unmatched. Her prayers carried power, her words brought peace, and her presence brought comfort. She was known to stop everything to pray with those in need, whether in a church hallway, hospital room, or grocery store aisle. She taught Sunday School, led the Prayer and Bible Band, and coordinated Vacation Bible School for more than 40 years, shaping countless young lives through the Word of God. Her home, too, was a place of ministry where family, friends, and saints alike found warmth, guidance, and encouragement. Education was also a cornerstone of Jessie Rose’s life. After attending Harris Junior College, she earned her Bachelor’s and Master’s degrees in Elementary Education from Jackson State University. She dedicated over 30 years to Saginaw Public Schools, teaching at Liberty Elementary in Zilwaukee and Morley Elementary. Her classroom was more than a place of instruction; it was a space where students were nurtured, believed in, and reminded of their potential. Generations of children remember “Mrs. Greer” as the teacher who cared, the one who pushed them to do their best and loved them beyond the lesson plan. To know Evangelist Missionary Jessie Rose Greer was to witness the beauty of a life wholly dedicated to God and to others. She walked in faith, lived with purpose, and poured love into everyone she met. Her influence will continue to echo in the lives of those she touched in her family, her students, her church, and the community she served so faithfully. Her legacy of faith, perseverance, and love will never fade. She leaves behind a powerful example of Christian service, devotion, and compassion. Though she has transitioned from labor to reward, her spirit lives on in the hearts of all who loved her, and her life’s message remains clear: to serve God faithfully and love others deeply. Funeral service will take place at 11:00 a.m. on Tuesday, October 28 2025 at Greater Williams Temple C.O.G.I.C., 608 E. Remington, Saginaw, MI 48601, Pastor, Supt. Arthur Aikin, Presiding and Bishop J. Drew Sheard, Jurisdictional Prelate, Bishop and Chief Apostle Church of God in Christ, Inc., will officiate. Interment will take place in Eastlawn Memorial Gardens, 7475 E. Holland Rd., Saginaw, MI 48601. Visitation will take place at the funeral home on Monday, from 3:00 p.m.to 7:00 p.m.

Evangelist Jessie Greer

January 10, 1943 - October 20, 2025