Mary Greer held many titles during her 27 years working for the City of Greer, but when you hear her story, “the first” is a phrase repeated often. She is retired now, but she’s still active and serving her community with quiet strength.
Mary Greer’s journey with the City of Greer started in customer service and payroll in 1977. It wasn’t always easy, but she felt a great sense of duty and determination to overcome the obstacles before her. She came in early, took on extra work, and proved she was up to any challenge.
Greer said she wore many hats during her tenure with the city, and she kept moving and learning along the way. She served under five mayors and three city administrators.
“I was the first minority employee to work for the City of Greer and the first to serve as the finance director, the first to serve as the interim city administrator, and, upon my retirement, I was the first to serve as city clerk and assistant city administrator,” Mary Greer said.
In an interview at the “new” Greer City Hall on E. Poinsett St., Mary Greer said as she advanced in her career of civil service, she was very aware that other young ladies were watching her and admired what she was doing. That motivated her to do more.
“I tried to give 100 percent in everything that I did,” she said.
Mary Greer is still very active at Maple Creek Missionary Baptist Church, and she encourages young people to get an education and follow their dreams.
Reflecting on all she accomplished professionally and how the city has grown since her retirement, Greer said, “It makes me feel good to think that I was a part of the beginning, and to look at where we are now, I just feel like I have been a part of it all.”