Nelma Greer

Nelma Larsen Greer was born in Virden, New Mexico, on August 27, 1928, to Joseph Urban and Mary Riggs Larsen. She grew up with three siblings—Harold, her identical twin Nelda, and younger brother Neils—in what she often described as an “ideal” childhood. Living through both the Great Depression and World War II left lasting impressions on her life and outlook.

After graduating from Virden High School, Nelma and her twin attended Gila College (EAC) in Thatcher before transferring to Northern Arizona University in Flagstaff, where she earned her teaching degree. It was there that she met and married the love of her life, Thad Greer.

The couple began their teaching careers in St. Johns, Arizona, where their first child, Thadius Winston, was born. They later moved to Pima, Arizona, and then accepted a unique opportunity to teach in Peru for three years, educating the children of mining families. During this time, their daughter, Mary Serena, was born. Following their return to the United States, the family settled again in St. Johns, where sons Lacy Vaughn and Vinson Edmond joined the family.

Nelma dedicated more than 30 years to teaching, primarily grades 3–6. She loved her students deeply and delighted in producing classroom dramas that sparked creativity and joy.

After retirement, Nelma and Thad served a Spanish-speaking mission in Anaheim, California, where they built lifelong friendships. They later spent several years volunteering in the Mesa, Arizona temple. After Thad’s passing in 2014, Nelma remained in her home in St. Johns, where she continued to focus on her family with love and devotion.

On the morning of September 18, 2025, Nelma passed peacefully at the age of 97, surrounded by her children. She was the last of her generation, preceded in death by her parents, siblings, in-laws, her beloved husband Thad, her son Thadius, and her grandson Adam Kent.

She is survived by her children, Mary Serena, Lacy Vaughn, and Vinson Edmond; her cherished daughters-in-law, Jill, Jeanne, and Sherrie; 13 grandchildren; and 34 great-grandchildren. Nelma was especially blessed in her later years to be lovingly, patiently, and devotedly cared for by her daughter Mary Serena, whose constant presence brought her comfort and peace.

Nelma’s greatest legacy was her steadfast love and care for her family. Her home was always a place of peace, and she will be remembered with deep affection and gratitude by all who knew her.