Sam Greer Sr.'s Obituary
Celebrating The Essence of his Life, Legacy and Spirit
Sam Greer
Sunrise March 21, 1920 – Sunset January 29, 2020
Sam Greer, son of the late Gertrude and Sam Creer, was born March 21, 1920 in Baton Rouge, Louisiana. He was the eldest of 12 siblings. He began working at a very young age and then in 1940, he met and married Lilian Rogers. From this union, they had four beautiful daughters, Elizabeth, Dorothy, Sandi, Sammie and one handsome son, Sam, Jr. After 15 years, Sam and Lilian were divorced and in 1955, he chose to relocate to Oakland, California where he began a new phase of his life.
After experiencing numerous employment opportunities, Sam was employed in Oakland by Capri Sausage Company, which later became Gallo. His employment began in an entry level position and he quickly advanced becoming one of the top sausage makers at the company.
In 1970, Sam’s life changed when he met and married his best friend and life partner, Mary Louise Booz’e. Through their union, they became a blended family with his five children and Mary’s additional three. The Greer family then relocated to Hayward, California where they permanently resided. Upon retirement, they continued being active through employment at Walmart. Sam was a gregarious individual and enjoyed the position of Greeter for several years.
Sam and Mary were both active members of Greater Saint Paul Missionary Baptist Church in Oakland where they served as Honorary Deacon and Deaconess. When they weren’t involved in their ministry, they enjoyed spending time with their families and traveling the world whenever they had the opportunity. Among his hobbies were gardening, playing dominoes, entertaining, and wine making.
Sam peacefully departed this life on January 29, 2020, with two of his daughters by his side. He was preceded in death by his beloved wife Mary and his brothers William, Thomas, Jimmy and David, sister Sally and daughter Deborah.
He leaves to cherish his memory daughters Elizabeth, Dorothy, Sandi, Sammie and sons Sam Jr. (Cynthia), Henry and Glenn (Brenda); brother John (Alberta), sisters Gloria (Leon) and Ida and sister-in-law Faye; granddaughters Yolanda, Samantha, Fracie, Paris and Bianca; grandsons Roderick (Janelle), John (Cynthia), D’Andre (Angela), Sam III (Aimee), Edward (Tammy), Shedrick and Dominic; and a host of great-grandchildren, nieces, nephews, extended family, neighbors and friends.
Expressions of Gratitude
We praise God and thank each of you for your prayers, presence and expressions of love and support during Sam’s illness and eventual transition from labor to reward. Words cannot express the comfort and peace we are experiencing as you have walked with us in our moment of sorrow. Please keep us in your prayers as we continue to adjust to the loss of our beloved father.
What’s your fondest memory of Sam?
What’s a lesson you learned from Sam?
Share a story where Sam's kindness touched your heart.
Describe a day with Sam you’ll never forget.
How did Sam make you smile?
