Lauderdale "Lonnie" Greer, Jr. (Lansing)

Long before God spoke those precious words, “Let there be light”, Lauderdale “Lonnie” Greer, Jr. was already on the scene because Spirits were never born – therefore, Spirits never die.

Mr. Lauderdale “Lonnie” Greer, Jr. made his transition from this life into eternity on Wednesday, October 21, 2020, in Lansing, Michigan surrounded by his loving family. Age 69 years. He was born in Gary, Indiana on August 30, 1951. He was the oldest son born to Lauderdale and Curtis Greer.

His family affectionately called him “Lonnie”. Some earliest memories of the family have been centered around an old rag doll that he took everywhere – often it was quite amusing to remember this as Lonnie grew to a height of 6 foot 2 inches, and was a stately man who preferred even his tee-shirts and jeans be starched and pressed.

Lonnie and two of his siblings, Bernetta and Michael, formed “The Pack” and they enjoyed many adventures together in youth. Due to unfortunate circumstances in his early childhood, Lonnie had a fear of the police, he would take off running every time he heard sirens.

In 1969, Lonnie attended the Campbell Center with Job Corps, where he completed his general studies and was issued his Graduate Equivalency Degree. He went on to attend the Indiana Vocational College in June of 1974 to receive his welding certificate. Lonnie worked at Ogden Steele Company, located in Chicago, Illinois where he proudly held the title of Welder Fabrication Specialist. In later years, he worked for Ellis Company, holding the same title; Blow Knox Steel, as a welder; and for 29 years, he worked as a crane operator at Cargill Steel in East Chicago, Indiana. While living in Gary, Indiana, Lonnie was an active participant in one of the local churches; it is believed he accepted the Lord, Jesus Christ as his Savior there.

Lonnie relocated to Lansing, Michigan in 2010, where he attended Shiloh Missionary Baptist Church and became fast friends with Pastor Tampa Washington, a friendship that lasted until his passing. Lonnie and his partner of many years, Ms. Gloria Sease, purchased 2 chairs for the church. He had his own personal prayer partner, Elder Elinda Ash, who would visit him in the hospital and pray with him until he was too tired to continue.

He leaves to cherish his memory 5 daughters, Laurienne Stannette Shelton, Tawanna Niketa Greer, Clentonia Vann, Yolanda Greer, and Alandrea Greer; 14 grandchildren, Taniyah Spencer, Akeelah Spencer, Gregory Johnson, Steven Johnson, Wayne Greer, Breyon Greer Sr., Kelajha Rooks, Dante Spencer, Qualy’n Cowart, Kayla Howard, Terral Howard, Breyanna Howard, Shaz’Monet Vann, and Francis Vann; 4 great-grandchildren, Breyon Greer Jr., Bre’Kel Greer, Alivia Johnson, and McKenzie Johnson; 4 sisters, Celestine (Preston) Starks, Sharon (Kenneth) Scott, Bernetta (Theodore) Galloway, and Joyce A. Williams; brother, Kenneth Greer; sister-in-law, Patricia Greer; many nieces, nephews, other relatives and friends including his special friend of many years, Gloria Sease.

Lonnie is preceded in death by his father and mother, Lauderdale, Sr. and Curtis Greer; 2 brothers, Dennis and Michael Greer; and sister, Carol J. Greer.


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