Ellen Greene - Obituary

assed away on December 26, 2013 at her residence in Fort Washington, MD. Beloved wife of 73 years to William Donald Greene, Sr. who preceded her in death on 18 June 2013. She was a loving mother to Margaret Ann Bishop and William Donald Greene, Jr.; an outstanding grandmother to Pamela Bishop Gagliardi, Stephanie Bishop McFadden, Elizabeth Greene Abbott, William Donald Greene, III (deceased), and Shannon Greene Phelan. She was also a wonderful great-grandmother to eight great-grandchildren and one great-great granddaughter. Her parents, four brothers, and one sister predeceased her. She is survived by her brother, Donald R. Schaffer, and her sister, Glenda Faye Crosno, as well as numerous cousins, nieces, and nephews. Born on Woodrow Ditch near Lilbourn, MO, Coretta was raised with her family on Baden St. Following a brief marriage to C.H. Lancaster, she gave birth to Margaret Ann Lancaster Bishop. On May 27, 1940, she married Don Greene. They had a son William Jr. The children lived with their grandparents during WWII. She worked in an ammunition factory in St. Louis while Don was in the Navy. Following the war, they resided at their business called the Radio Shack on Main St. In 1947, the family moved to Kodiak, Alaska, where Don was the radio station manager at the Air Base. At the outbreak of the Korean War in 1949, the children had to return to Missouri. In 1951, the family reunited on 4th Street in Washington, DC. In 1953, Coretta found a town home on Barnaby Street for $90/month, and she was active in Job’s Daughters. The family resided at this address for 10 years until they moved to Fort Foote Village, Maryland. They lived in Fort Foote for 50 years, during which time they raised several of their grandchildren and were active in the Fort Foote Baptist Church. They frequently hosted family and friends from around the country. Following Don’s retirement in 1974, they traveled to visit and care for family members all over the country. Known for her outgoing nature and zest for life, Coretta had many friends and was loved by all who met her. A gathering of family and friends will be held on Monday, December 30, 2013 at the Kalas Funeral Home in Oxon Hill, MD with a viewing from 4-6 PM and brief Service at 6 PM. She will have a second celebration at Lilbourn First Baptist Church in Missouri and will be interred next to her husband at The Mounds Cemetery in Lilbourn, MO.