Leader Publications

Born: Oct. 1, 1946

Died: Oct. 13, 2012

Maurice Art Greer, 66, of North Sixth Street, Niles, died at 11:59 p.m. on Saturday,

Oct. 13, 2012, at his home, unexpectedly but of natural causes.

He was born on Oct. 1, 1946, in Detroit to Lillo and Sarah (Barnes) Greer, Sr. He graduated from Pershing High School in Detroit and attended Wayne State University. He served several tours of duty in the United States Navy and was a veteran of the Vietnam Era.

Maurice was classically trained in music, performing on the double-bass violin and the tuba alongside members of the Detroit Symphony Orchestra. He also performed evening and weekend gigs as a union musician. In addition to the performing arts, he enjoyed the visual fine arts, having some success in both painting and sculpting.

He was formerly married to Barbara Stroudd and was preceded in death by his parents and his brothers, James Greer and Sabin Greer.

Surviving family includes his siblings, Joanetta (Leon) O’Bryant of Bangor, Mich., Lillo (Betty) Greer Jr. of Indianapolis, Alfred Greer of Bangor, and Germany Greer of Austel, Ga.; many nieces and nephews; and his long-time companion and friend,

Antoinette Borden of Niles.

The funeral service for Maurice Greer will be at 3 p.m. Saturday, Oct. 20, at the Halbritter Funeral Home in Niles with the Rev. Martinez Stephen, of Chicago, officiating and will conclude with the Veteran’s Flag Presentation and “Taps” by the United States Navy Honor Guard.

Committal will be at Fort Custer National Cemetery in Augusta, Mich.

The family will receive relatives and friends beginning at 2 p.m. Saturday at the funeral home.