Oct. 30, 1929-Oct. 7, 2011

BROOKHAVEN — Graveside services for Alberta Vines Greenard, 81, who died Friday Oct. 7 2011, were Sunday Oct. 16, 2011, at Carver Heights Cemetery in Brookhaven with Pastor Eddie Simpson officiating and under the direction of Marshall Funeral Home.

Mrs. Greenard was born Oct. 30, 1929, in Little Rock, Ark., the daughter of James Wesley Vines and Alberta Beverly Vines.

Mrs. Greenard was the youngest of five children and raised by parents who valued education, as evidenced by their pursuits of higher learning and careers in education of youth. Alberta was inspired to follow in their footsteps.

After receiving a Bachelor of Science degree from Tougaloo College in Mississippi, Mrs. Greenard began her teaching career in the Mississippi public school system. Her marriage to Boyce F. Greenard Sr. led to a move to Detroit. She continued her education and received her Master’s in Education, Education Specialist degree and certification in guidance counseling from Wayne State University and doctoral studies at the University of Michigan.

Education and counseling continued to be her career path in the Detroit public school system for the next 40 years.

Mrs. Greenard was a member of Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority, Inc. that was established in 1908. It is the oldest Greek-letter organization established by African-American college-trained women. She has written and published many songs for Christ and was passionate about her singing for the Lord.

Mrs. Greenard also owned, operated and directed Century Funeral Home and was co-founder for the Habitat for Humanity chapter in Brookhaven, a nonprofit, ecumenical Christian housing organization partnership with people in need to build and renovate decent, affordable housing. Community service and charitable contributing were integral parts of Mrs. Greenard’s humble spirit.

Mrs. Greenard had many friends and acquaintances, including dear friend Rosa L. Parks, the noted African-American civil rights activist.

Mrs. Greenard was preceded in death by three brothers, Dr. James Vines, Dr. Benjamin Vines and funeral home coordinator, Rudolphous Vines; one sister, professor Mattie Vines

Survivors include her son, Boyce F. Greenard II, three grandchildren, Diva E. Greenard, Amber B. Greenard and Nina M. Santiago; great-grandchildren Saray, Raymond and Isabella; daughters-in-law, Sarah Brown and Janette Greenard, as well as two sisters-in-law, one first-cousin, a plethora of nieces and nephews and extended family and friends.

Marshall Funeral Home staff members served as pallbearers.