Sylvia Munn Greene

With profound sadness, we announce the passing of our beloved Sylvia Marie Munn Greene — a devoted wife, loving mother, cherished grandmother and great-grandmother, and dear friend to so many. Sylvia passed away peacefully on May 11, 2026, at the age of 86, surrounded by the love of the family she treasured above all else. She leaves behind a legacy of unwavering devotion, joyful spirit, enduring faith, and a lifetime of love that will continue to live on through all who knew her.

Born on April 24, 1940, in Rock Hill, South Carolina, Sylvia married the love of her life, Jerry Greene —known to one and all as “Freck” — when she was just 17 years old. Not long afterwards, they moved to Columbia, where Sylvia worked in the front office for Dr. William Gause, MD, and later for Dr. Charles Bauknight, DMD. And as her three children grew up, she became a second mom to so many of their friends – carpooling, chaperoning, cooking, classroom volunteering – whatever was needed to guide their starts in life. Her home was always filled with warmth, kindness, laughter, and love.

Together, she and Freck shared an extraordinary 69 years of marriage, building a beautiful life centered on family, commitment, laughter, and unconditional love. Their love story was rare and enduring, and their devotion to one another inspired all who knew them. Freck sadly passed away just over seven weeks ago, and that was too long for them to be apart. Her heart, we believe, simply could not bear his absence. Though her family grieves deeply the loss of both their mother and father so close together, they find comfort in knowing Sylvia and Freck are reunited after a lifetime of love.

A true lover of beach music and shag dancing, she and Freck attended the first Society of Stranders event in 1980 in North Myrtle Beach and rarely missed a shag dance contest, gathering, or event. Her passion for the South Carolina State Dance led to her induction into the South Carolina Shaggers Hall of Fame in 1998, the Beach Shaggers National Hall of Fame in 2000, and the Living Legends.

With her remarkable gift for making people feel welcomed and loved, she formed countless lasting friendships. She found great joy dancing at the beach, vacationing in the mountains, relaxing on cruises, and worshipping at their long-time Kathwood Baptist Church. Whether enjoying sporting events featuring her favorite Gamecocks or just sipping a chilled white wine with good company, she enjoyed the fun times that seemed to always follow her about. Sylvia will be remembered for the grace and joy that filled her life.

Left to cherish and honor her memory are the three children she adored: Jerry Lenly Greene Jr. (Leah), Sabrina Greene FitzSimons (Charlie), and Neil Greene; her five grandchildren, Charley F. MacInnis (Baylis), Caroline F. Bond (Sam), Christopher William Greene FitzSimons, Evan C. Greene (Megan), and Elliott L. Greene; and her four great-grandchildren, with one additional great-grandchild expected this Fall. She is also survived by her sisters, Linda Little (Tony) and Nancy Litaker; her brother, Lyles Munn Jr. (Shelby); and many beloved nieces, nephews, extended family members, and treasured friends. She was preceded in death by her parents, Lyles Summerlin Munn and Shirley Baker Munn; husband, Jerry Lenly “Freck” Greene, Sr.; and brother-in-law, Wayne Litaker.

A memorial service honoring Sylvia’s life will be held at 12 o’clock in the afternoon on Friday, May 15, 2026, at Shives Funeral Home, 7600 Trenholm Road Extension, Columbia, SC. Following the service, the family will receive friends at the funeral home.

In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to the Beach Shaggers National Hall of Fame Foundation, Post Office Box 4070, North Myrtle Beach, South Carolina 29597.

She will be forever loved, forever missed, and forever remembered.