A Life Story

Mrs. Annie Bell McAlpine Greer passed away peacefully at home in Savannah, Georgia on May 26, 2026, surrounded by her loving family. She was born on June 15, 1929, to the late Henry Thornton and Willie Pearl Fields McAlpine in Boligee (Tishabee), Alabama. She was preceded in death by her husband, Bennie Bernard Greer; sisters, Francis McAlpine Whittaker and Johnnie Mae McAlpine Grant. Annie Bell was educated in the Greene County Public Schools system, Boligee, Alabama. On March16, 1962, Annie was united in holy matrimony to Bennie Bernard Greer and was a devoted wife for 37 years. She and Bennie had a full life filled with gardening, remodeling and improving their home and hunting for treasures at thrift stores. Annie Bell started her work life as a farmer alongside her sharecropper parents in Boligee, Alabama. She moved to Birmingham, Alabama in September 1951. After moving to Birmingham, she worked at Marshall Dublin chicken plant in Trussville, Alabama, and later as a food server at Samford University. Annie Bell was most proud of serving as an entrepreneurial daycare provider in her home for approximately 20 years. Annie Bell was a devout Christian. She confessed Christ to be her Lord and Savior at age 14, and was baptized at SpringHill Baptist Church, Boligee, Alabama. She served on the Usher Board and was a Sunday School participant. In Birmingham, she maintained her Christian faith at Lilly Grove Baptist Church. In 1960, she transferred her membership to Macedonia Baptist Church under the pastorage of Rev. Jackson, then Rev. A. D. Blackmon. She would remain in Macedonia for 25 years (1960-1985). In 1985, she transferred her membership to Greater St. John Baptist Church under the pastorage of Rev. Morris Perry, then Rev. John Henry Williams and presently the most Reverend Dr. Nathaniel Brooks. At Greater St. John Baptist, she was a member of the Nurses' guild. On August 4, 2021, due to failing health, Annie Bell moved to Savannah, Georgia with her daughter, Willie Esther McAlpine, MD. The love of family was Annie Bell's priority. The move to Savannah provided her the desired access to her children, grandchildren and great grandchildren. Two other favorites in Savannah were weekly access to church and family prayer services online. Annie Bell was her family's unofficial politician. She knew the National politicians and could challenge any willing listener to a healthy political discussion on any given date. Annie Bell is survived by 2 beloved daughters, Willie Esther McAlpine, MD, (Alonzo Kenneth Alston) (d) of Savannah, Georgia, and Gladys McAlpine Williams (Rev. Josie Williams) (d) of Birmingham, Alabama; 2 grandchildren, Erica Renee' McAlpine of Savannah, GA and Alonzo McAlpine Alston (Tina) of Charlotte, NC; 4 great grandchildren, Lakeasha Monei Hall of Savannah, GA, Arden Monet Kelly, Savoy Lincoln Alston and Maci Li Alston of Charlotte, NC.; a special aunt, Isabel Hines of El Paso, Texas and a host of nieces, nephews, relatives and friends. As we mourn the loss of our beloved Matriarch, Annie Bell, we want to celebrate the beautiful legacy she leaves behind. Her family and friends will forever cherish her love, compassion, and the countless memories of her life. We pray she finds eternal peace, and may her spirit continue to inspire us to live with the same love and kindness that defined her remarkable life. We remember Annie Bell McAlpine Greer today with respect and gentle thoughts. Her time here, spanning many years, was a gift to all she met. Funeral arrangements have been entrusted to Bushelon Funeral Home located 800 14th St. SW Birmingham, AL 35211. Phone Number: (205)786-3449