Mildred "Mimi" Greene

“Mimi” Mildred Anne Dykes Greene entered the arms of Jesus on June 16, 2023. Born on March 20, 1938, in Birmingham, Alabama, she moved to Florida in 1945 growing up in Sarasota. Her father’s job as a district passenger agent for the Seaboard (CSX) train company led them to Columbia, South Carolina, and Tampa, Florida before settling in Sarasota for him to handle travel for the Ringling Circus among others. Mimi was a resident of West Palm Beach since 1967 after her husband served in the Air Force as a navigator refueling jets over Vietnam. Many of their friendships from this period continue today. Mimi and John lived in West Palm Beach until 2018 when they moved to Greenville, South Carolina to be near her daughter’s family. Before moving, she was an active member of First Baptist Church of Lake Worth for 51 years where she served in various roles, including leading Sunday school class. Long-lasting relationships were formed at her church over countless events she helped organize such as baby showers, wedding showers, and anniversary celebrations. There was never an opportunity she would miss preparing a potluck dish for events at church or a meal for those in need.

Mimi was pre-deceased by a son, Wesley Joseph, on April 26, 1974, and her granddaughter, Isabella Rae Greene, on July 10, 2021. She is survived by her husband of 62 years, John P Greene, III whom she met in the 5th grade; son, John Alan (Evelyne) and grandsons, Lion and James; daughter, Susan Wienke (Jeff) and grandson, Brooks; brother-in-law, Robert Greene and sister-in-law, Patricia Collins; plus, many beloved nieces, nephews, and their spouses. 

Mimi graduated from Sarasota High School in 1956. She performed in the Sailor Circus, which is still in operation today. In October, she and John traveled back to their hometown to celebrate their 65th class reunion. After high school, she graduated from Birmingham Baptist Hospitals School of Nursing in 1959 (now Samford University). Mimi found her true calling as a nurse after caring for two siblings at the end of their lives. From 2001 until 2015, she worked as a nurse and supervisor for Hospice of Palm Beach County, even starring in their print and media advertisements alongside John. The bonds created there were a testament to the supportive ray of light Mimi was to her patients and co-workers. Mimi was very fortunate to be under the care of Hospice of the Upstate in Greenville, South Carolina when she passed away. Her love for Hospice as an organization speaks to the quality of care she gave in Florida and received in South Carolina.

From suffering the loss of her mother early in life to losing a son at age 5 to nursing various siblings to the loss of a granddaughter at 24, Mimi never missed a moment to love others and use these experiences to help and empathize with others. It would seem that social media was created for Mimi to extend her reach of caring for and supporting others. She cast a large net of affection to encompass all she could reach. Even in her last weeks, she took the time to know her nurses and ask about their families. She leaves a legacy of focusing on the positive, loving others unconditionally, feeding others’ souls, living a Christ-centered life, fighting with a determined spirit, and putting others first. Her sense of humor, ability to have fun, and fierce sass will be missed. Lastly, Mimi never missed encouraging and cheering for her cycling family. She made many friends and received even more hugs from ringing her cowbell at local, regional, and international races. She kept up with all the races and knew all the riders. Her favorite quote was, “Shut up legs!” Whatever her family was passionate about, she was passionate about.

In lieu of flowers, Mimi desired donations be made to the Isabella Rae Greene Memorial Nursing Scholarship at Palm Beach Atlantic University. Mimi and her granddaughter, Bella, shared a passion for nursing. At the time of Bella’s passing 2 years ago, she was attending nursing school. The day Mimi entered heaven was Bella’s birthday. To give securely online, please visit https://secure.qgiv.com/for/irgmns/. To give over the phone, please contact Lisa Aaron, Gift Services Manager, at (561) 803-2007. 

A celebration of life service is scheduled at Family Church in West Palm Beach, Florida on July 1 at 11:00 a.m. Visitation will be held on-site directly after the memorial service. The church is located at 1101 S. Flagler Dr. West Palm Beach, FL 33401. Mimi will be buried at the M.J. “Dolly” Cooper Veterans Cemetery in Anderson, South Carolina in a private ceremony. An informal gathering will be held in Greenville, South Carolina in the near future.

A few parting thoughts from Mimi found on her laptop:

“My children and grandchildren have brought me the greatest joy and happiness this side of Heaven, other than the great joy of knowing and loving The Lord Jesus Christ.” – Mimi

Loss is hard. Grief is hard. Life itself is sometimes hard, too. Be sure to tell those important people in your life how much they mean to you. Tell them you love them — often. Do the things you’re scared to do. Love hard. Be bold. Live big.