When I arrived to interview Dr. Judy Greer, she stepped out on her porch and held the front door open for me. Her brilliant blue eyes and warm smile were as welcoming as her words, inviting me into a home filled with antiques and framed family photos. Once we sat down to talk, the conversation flowed freely, as it often does between southern women. It was as if we had known one another for years rather than moments.
The professor emerita and retired tennis coach showed me a postcard from Oxford College, inviting people to her 90th birthday party in September to celebrate an “Emory legend.” The dictionary defines a legend as “an extremely famous or notorious person, especially in a particular field.” Greer’s quiet humility made it clear that she never sought the spotlight. Ironically, that’s part of what makes her legendary: how she has simply and steadily lived a life of integrity while deeply caring about the people and resources entrusted to her. However, she’s far from an ordinary person. After all, ordinary people don’t have buildings, scholarships and tennis courts named after them.
“I’m very grateful for my life and thankful I’ve been able to be as active as I could be.”
Dr. Judy Greer
Her party was held in the Greer Forum, an expansive social area in the student center that includes an event stage. It was named for her by an alumnus. “Since retirement,” Greer said, “I’ve been very fortunate that people have honored me one way or the other.” Her face lights up when she talks about the Judy Greer Scholarship, another gift to others that bears her name. It was started in 1995 with $25,000 donated by students from Oxford’s class of 1959. “Every 10 years,” Greer said, “we have a formal event to raise money for the scholarship. As of now, between 50 and 60 students have received it. It’s grown wonderfully.” The tennis courts at LaGrange College—her alma mater and the first place the small-
town girl ever saw a tennis court—now bear her name, too.
A sampling of her awards and honors includes an honorary degree from LaGrange College. She became the Atlanta Metro YMCA Volunteer of the Year in 1991 and later served on the founding board of the Covington Family YMCA. Greer was inducted into the Emory Sports Hall of Fame in 1994. The Covington/Newton County Chamber of Commerce awarded her the R.O. Arnold award in 2004 for her outstanding community service. She has been recognized by the Points of Light Foundation for her work with senior adults, and in 2019, she was presented with an Outstanding Georgia Citizen certificate honoring “Women Sports Trailblazers” by the Georgia Commission on Women. The Wesley Woods Foundation honored her among its first all-woman group of Heroes, Saints and Legends in September. Other recipients included Billye Aaron and Virginia Hepner.
“All of this is only to say that cumulatively these things have happened,” Greer said. “I didn’t realize I was as involved as I was. I certainly didn’t think any of that was coming my way. I’m very grateful for my life and thankful I’ve been able to be as active as I could be.”
After a tour of her home, where she showed me various photos, awards and tennis memorabilia, it was time to go. Thinking on the drive home, I came to a realization. Despite all the accolades, if you were to ask Greer about her favorite titles, she would likely say “aunt,” “coach,” “teacher” and “friend.” Whatever you choose to call her, Greer’s positive impact on Oxford College, LaGrange College, Newton County and beyond will last for generations.
Click here to read more stories by Kari Apted.
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