Mary Elizabeth Abernathy-Greene, or Liz, as she was lovingly known by her family, passed into Heaven’s gates on August 25, 2017 at the age of 89. She was a member of Woodward Avenue Baptist Church, and a lifelong resident of Muscle Shoals. Visitation will be today, August 27, 2017 from 1 p.m. to 2 p.m. at Colbert Memorial Chapel, with service to follow at 2 p.m. Burial will be in Colbert Memorial Gardens. Brother Will Rushing will be officiating.
Her marriage to James Columbus (J.C.) Abernathy in 1951 lasted 28 years until his death in 1979. Her marriage to Lyman Greene in 1988 lasted 22 years until his death in 2010.
Liz worked as a telephone operator for Bell South for 30 years. After retirement, she enjoyed spending time with her grandchildren and family. In a world where letter-writing is a lost art, she continued to write beautiful, eloquent letters to family and friends.
Liz is survived by her two children, Regina Parker (Steve) and Mike Abernathy (Patty), from her first marriage. She is also survived by five grandchildren, Kristin Kennamer (David), Amy Parker (Matt, fiancé), Karen Abernathy, James Abernathy, Jr., and Benjamin Parker (Bre). She is survived by four great-grandchildren, Carson Smith, Sienna Abernathy, Kate Kennamer, and Max Kennamer.
Pallbearers will include Benjamin Parker, James Abernathy, Jr., Carson Smith, David Kennamer, Matt Chastain, and Preston Parker.
The family expresses heartfelt gratitude to Brentwood Retirement Community, Good Samaritan Hospice, and the 4th floor nursing staff at Helen Keller Hospital. In lieu of flowers, please consider a donation to the Dementia Society of America at 114 North Main Street, Doylestown, PA 18901.
Colbert Memorial Chapel is assisting the family. You may sign the online registry at colbertmemorial.com
