Greenie Mae Piphus

Greenie Mae Holifield - Piphus was born June 24th, 1928 to the late Paul Fryer and the late Lessie Thomas in Clayton Alabama. She was raised with two siblings Charlie Fryer (Spouse the late Ida Mae Fryer) and the late CW Fryer (Spouse Evelyn Fryer). Greenie had a happy childhood in the country red dirt roads of Alabama helping with her family farm. She is a true country girl at heart. She often told many stories about her time spent in Alabama. Greenie graduated from Barbour County High School in Alabama. Greenie was an avid learner and did explore some college level courses.

Greenie dreamed of a great future and moved to Buffalo New York in the early 1950's. Upon her arrival to Buffalo, she worked to establish herself by finding employment. She married her husband the late Willie Holifield. Out of their union came three beautiful children the late Wallace Holifield (grandchildren Sherry Robinson, David Robinson (Spouse Latisha Robinson) and Chabreal Holifield), the late Willis Holifield (Grandchildren Tara Pace and Renauld Davis (Spouse Erica Davis) and Brenda Holifield (Stocks) (grandchildren Yvonne Stocks-Mangum (Spouse Darren Mangum), Yvette Stocks and Shantell Stocks). Greenie enjoyed cooking and spending time with her family. Her cooking was amazing her peach cobblers, banana pudding, biscuits, pear preserve, hot water cornbread, dressing, greens etc. were delicious she always took pleasure in feeding her loved ones. Her cooking will be missed.

Greenie truly had a heart to care for others and worked as a home health care aide eventually retiring from Staff Builders.

Greenie loved and cherished spending time with her family, children, grandchildren, great grands and friends. She also enjoyed fishing, gardening and animals. She was truly beautiful on the inside and out, she had a radiant smile and infectious laugh.

Above all, the true love of her life was her Lord and Savior Jesus Christ. Greenie found Christ at an early age in Clayton Alabama. She proudly proclaimed her membership at her family's church home Mount Nebo Missionary Baptist Church in Alabama. There was never a time when she did not take the opportunity to declare the Lord God as her savior and share the gospel with others. Often times sharing mini bibles with people. Her Motto was “IF YOU AINT TALKING ABOUT JESUS THEN YOU AIN'T TALKING ABOUT NOTHING”.

Greenie felt the calling of the lord to ministry on her life, October 2nd 1983, she became an ordained minister. Shortly after she started her own church in the lower apartment of her home. Eventually she secured a church building on William Street in Buffalo NY. As a result, Tree Of Life Tabernacle was born. She assisted many people in finding the love of Christ. She was a true disciple of Christ, an evangelist, and a pastor.

During a period time when women weren’t so independent and were judged for preaching the gospel she was blessed to own three houses, a church and was a proud preacher of the gospel.

Mrs. Greenie was a staple in the community and well known as the church lady. Greenie knew her word and was not just a believer but was also a doer of the word and lived by the word. She was truly God’s Hand’s and Feet on earth. She went out into highways and hedges to spread God’s word. She believed in feeding the poor, caring for the homeless, helping and praying for the sick and was about the business of the Lord, at all times. She was a prayer warrior. She was a true light in this world and will greatly be missed. They don’t make Big Mama’s like her anymore.

In Greenie’s later years she fell ill. During this time Greenie’s loving Daughter Brenda cared for her with the help of her niece Renita (Genean) Fryer-Hudson, family and Schofield Home Health staff. Even through this trail she held on to her faith and oftentimes could be heard praying, calling on the name of the lord and singing Gods praises.

Greenie lived a long life. She was 96 years old when she finished her race. On 5/15/2025 her last words were “Lord have mercy”. The Lord heard her cry. She is now resting in her father's arms and will DEFINITELY receive her crown. Her wish is that none shall perish and that we would all know the Goodness of GOD.