Educational-Social Legacy Foundation
The Legacy
How The Vision And Values Of Their Forebearers
Helped Shape Liz Girlz
We are told that the older women should teach the younger women. –Titus 2: 4-5
Liz Girlz was established on December 25, 2011, in Duluth, GA in loving memory of Mrs. Elizabeth M. Keitt Greene (Liz) by her three daughters, the grateful recipients of the lifelong encouragement and passion of this very strong woman.
Stacey E. Greene (Educator)
Shonte’ M. Djibo (Educator)
Vioka T. Greene (Business Manager)
The sisters’ desire was to carry on the legacy entrusted to them by their mother and grandparents before them: A legacy that shaped them and compels them to want to pass it on to others.
What is that legacy?
A passion for empowering others through social and academic programs. It’s a passion that their mother, a career educator, instilled in them.
The story begins at St. John’s Elementary and High School in Calhoun County South Carolina.
It was the 1950s and Liz’s future-father-in-law, Principal Sumter S. Greene, presided over St. John’s, the only school for Blacks in the county during this era of the Segregated South.
He was the son of a school teacher, Mrs. Mamie C. Greene, who drove her horse-drawn wagon to pick up children each morning and brought them into her home to learn.
Sumter could read even before he entered school.
From this challenging and enriching environment, young Sumter went on to graduate from South Carolina State College (University), having been a member of Phi Beta Sigma Fraternity, and then serve in the United States Army as a Military Communications Officer.
He became a man who led his academic and civic community while also launching successful business enterprises.
Principal, Biology teacher, basketball coach, baseball coach, community leader...
Principal Greene was honored by those who knew him best for both his friendliness and his untiring work.
Principal Greene was joined at St. John’s by his sister Mrs. Thelma Greene Wright, a career teacher, Girl Scout troop leader, and Future Homemakers of America leader.
And he was joined by his wife, Ollie Mae W. Greene, who taught and served under his leadership for twenty years.
Eva G. Lawrence, Sumter's sister, and his brothers, George and Sellers Greene, were also contributing members to the legacy.
It was at St. John's School, led by hard-working and studious community and family members, that two sons of Mr. and Mrs. Greene came of age.
Wesley Sims Greene grew up to become a Navy Seal and successful businessman. Like his father before him, education played an important part in his development.
And his brother Samuel Sumter Greene would also find success in business, and in life as husband to Liz, and father to the next generation of educators and leaders.
