Bonnie Foret Greer, wife of the late Thomas Jarvis Greer, passed peacefully surrounded by family on October 21, 2021, in Miramar Beach, FL, at the age of 79. Loving mother of daughter Tracy Greer Hook (Thomas) and son Gregory Douglas Greer, she is survived by her children, granddaughters Charlotte Lucy Kingsley (Harris) and Claire Germaine Hook, nieces, nephews, and cousins. Bonnie was born in New Orleans, LA, on October 28, 1941, to Antoine Sweeney and Doris Vaughan Foret. Their only child, she excelled academically at St. Maurice Parochial School in the Ninth Ward and Annunciation High School in New Orleans and participated in Glee Club and dance lessons. Upon graduation she worked for two years as Secretary to the Purchasing Agent at Standard Fruit & Steamship Company. While working at Standard Fruit, she met Jarvis, an auditor with Price Waterhouse who passed Bonnie’s desk regularly while there on business. She thought he acted aloof; one day she stopped him and told so. They soon began dating and were married on October 28, 1961. They eventually designed and built a home in Arabi, LA, where they began their family. Among her civic and social activities, Bonnie was a member of the Green Thumb Garden Club and the St. Bernard Parish Homemakers Club and served as a Brownie Scout Troop Leader. In 1971 the family moved to Memphis, TN. Bonnie was active in her children’s school events and extracurricular activities. She participated in several clubs, including the Memphis Garden Club and Duration Club often taking on the responsibilities of leadership positions. She was also a founding member of the Catholic Church of the Holy Spirit in Memphis. Bonnie indulged her love of music by joining the Memphis River City chorus of Sweet Adelines in which she sang Bass. She was delighted to join her first quartet, Unlimited Edition, performing throughout the city and competing at Regional contests. In 1982 the family relocated to Miami, FL, where Bonnie quickly adapted to her new environment, enjoying the variety of cultures and cuisine. Bonnie continued her association with Sweet Adelines with the Suncoast chorus. After a rigorous audition she was invited to join the Sunkist quartet. Sunkist finished second twice at Regional competitions. In 1986, Sunkist won the Region 9 contest and proceeded to the International competition in Philadelphia later that year. From a collection of thirty-nine quartets, Sunkist finished in the Top 20. That secured Sunkist’s invitation to compete at the International competition again in 1987 in Hawaii. After Sunkist disbanded, Bonnie was invited to join the Showtime quartet. They won the Region 9 contest and finished fourth at the international competition. She later joined and competed with the Royal Palm Chorus, too. As a member of Region 9, Bonnie held leadership positions including Director of Musical Activities. Bonnie and Jarvis moved again in 1991 to Brentwood, TN. She joined the Metro Nashville Sweet Adelines chorus and remained an active member for most of her time in Nashville. Widowed in 1995, Bonnie was eventually ready for a fresh start and built a home at Sandestin Resort in the Destin, FL, area. Bonnie customized a floor plan she found in a magazine and oversaw the entire project with the general contractor. Bonnie would move a few more times, living in Katy, TX; Daytona Beach Shores, FL; New Smyrna Beach, FL; and Orange City, FL. More recently, Bonnie moved to The Heritage Waterside assisted living facility in Daytona Beach Shores. She started an Ambassador program to greet new residents, often consulted with the chef over menu items, began a version of Red Hat Society for the residents, and organized a Mardi Gras celebration for residents as well. Her friends elected her Queen of the Mardi Gras! Just this past spring, Bonnie returned to the Destin, Florida area to be closer to family. Bonnie excelled at design and event planning. She loved hosting parties and was also an accomplished amateur chef and baker, so there were always delicious treats often reflecting her Cajun and Creole New Orleans roots to delight her guests. Her interest in design and fashion was always reflected in her homes and attire. She took great care and pride in decorating for the holidays, especially at Thanksgiving and Christmas. Bonnie traveled broadly including trips to China and Russia and loved going on cruises with friends. At home, she was always surrounded by her cats and especially loved her Maine Coon cat Boys. Bonnie lived life to the fullest and will be dearly missed by all who knew her. Relatives and friends are invited to attend a memorial gathering to be held at St. Bernard Memorial Funeral Home, 701 W. Virtue St., Chalmette, LA on October 30, 2021 from 9 a.m. to 11 a.m. A memorial service will begin at 11 a.m.. Interment: St. John Cemetery's Hope Mausoleum, 4841 Canal St., New Orleans, LA. To view and sign the Family Guestbook, please visit www.stbernardmemorial.com.
