A Legacy of Education and Service

A Legacy of Education and Service

Derether Greer has vivid childhood memories of visiting the library with her family—visiting each Saturday, reading as a family during the week and returning finished books together. Her early love of learning and positive experiences in high school set the course of her life, dedicated to education.

I loved education, and I loved going to school. My teachers all had such a wonderful impact on my life. They gave me the desire to want to be a teacher. I said ‘Wow, if they can do this for me, hopefully I can have an impact on others,’ so that’s when I decided that I would go to college.

After graduating from Grand Rapids South High School, Derether earned a bachelor’s degree at Western Michigan University, followed by a master’s in curriculum and teaching from Michigan State University. She spent her career at the Kent Intermediate School District (KISD), teaching business subjects, and later worked as an adjunct professor of business at Grand Rapids Community College.

BLESSED BY SERVICE

Derether is deeply invested in Grand Rapids, which she sees as a community of givers. Derether says she asks herself, “How do you serve your community to the best of your ability so that communities flourish?” That’s why she has served as a Grand Rapids Public Library Foundation trustee, Grand Rapids City Young Life area administrator, and New Hope Baptist Church receptionist/secretary. She has dedicated her time and talent to serving the community, and she sees doing so as a blessing to others and herself.

As a member of Grand Rapids Community Foundation’s scholarship committee, Derether participates in decisions that award more than $1 million in scholarships to students each year. She has also held leadership roles with the Grand Rapids Alumnae Chapter of Delta Sigma Theta Sorority, which focuses on scholarship and public service.

Derether Greer

I’m invested because I’ve seen where my community invested in others. When I think about those individual entities I feel blessed. I’ve had so many opportunities from serving on different boards. It has shaped me into the person that I am today, because I see the importance of giving back.

SUSTAINING FUTURE STUDENTS

As part of her retirement and subsequent estate planning, Derether considered how she could leave a legacy. She decided the proceeds of the sale of her home would be used to create a scholarship in her name for African American women.

And as an educator, I know the importance of education. I can leave something behind that’s gonna help them succeed, and I can fund their education. They are our future. We never know what capacity they’re going to be able to bring back to the community and how they will serve themselves.

Derether is guided by a strong faith, and she hopes to be remembered as someone who was a blessing to others. “The vision of my life is that it isn’t all about me. If I can help and impact the life of someone, all of us will have been blessed.”

PLANNING IS IMPORTANT, LET US HELP

Planning what will happen to your assets after your lifetime is important. Getting started is often the hardest part. We’re here to help you understand all your options and explore creative ways to leave your mark on the community you love. Let’s talk! Reach a member of our development team at 616.454.1751.