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Carol Jean "CJ" Greene
May 20, 2026
Carol Jean “CJ” Greene (née Shireman), beloved mother, wife, sister, nurse, soldier, and friend, passed away on May 20, 2026, in Norfolk, Virginia. She was born on December 8, 1944, in Kansas City, Missouri, to Frances Mary Ferstl and Emil Leroy Shireman, Sr.
CJ grew up in the Kansas City area as the youngest of ten children. Though many of her siblings were much older, she shared especially close bonds with her sisters Diane and Joann, and her brother Emil “Emo” Shireman.
Driven by both intelligence and compassion, CJ enlisted through the Army Student Nurse Program, proudly serving her country during the Vietnam War before being discharged in early 1969. She later continued her military career in the Army Reserves. Over nearly four decades of service, she rose to the rank of Lieutenant Colonel, earning the respect and admiration of those who served beside her.
Before building that remarkable career, however, she had another mission entirely: winning the heart of Olen Wayne “Wayne” Greene. Family lore maintains that she spent an impressive amount of time “accidentally” appearing at the Kansas City ice store where Wayne worked, but to no avail. Eventually, she left Kansas City for California, and her absence finally prompted Wayne into action. He called her with a simple question: “We should get married, don’t you think?” The strategy worked. They married in October 1969 and honeymooned in Las Vegas, beginning a loving partnership that lasted until Wayne’s untimely passing two decades later.
CJ’s distinguished 29-year career as a Certified Registered Nurse Anesthetist with the Veterans Administration carried the family across the country, from Missouri to Colorado, Wyoming, Louisiana, and Virginia.
In retirement, CJ found her happy place in Kill Devil Hills, North Carolina, where she embraced life in the Outer Banks community she loved so dearly. She was an active member of Holy Redeemer Catholic Church and found joy in faith, friendship, and simple pleasures. Whether cheering passionately for the Kansas City Chiefs, spending time with her cherished birds Phoebe, Daisy, Arnold, Waldo, and Annie, or enjoying outings with friends at the Forum and Theatre of Dare, CJ approached life with a fiercely independent spirit.
She was preceded in death by her parents, Emil Leroy Shireman, Sr. and Frances Shireman (Ferstl); her beloved husband, Wayne Greene; her daughter, Dr. Heather Allison Greene; sisters Faith Shireman and Joann Arnold; and brothers Kenneth, Warren, Norman, Robert, Emil Jr., and Jerry Shireman.
She is survived by her loving daughter Holly Halter (Greene); son-in-law Erick Halter; daughter-in-law Torill Ann Yamarik; sister Diane Colbert; her best friend from nursing school, Carol Doring; her dear friend Suzanne Neiderlander (Joseph), and the many additional friends, neighbors, fellow veterans, parishioners, and family members whose lives were made brighter by knowing her.
CJ lived boldly, served faithfully, and never lost her sense of humor. Her family will remember her strength and the unmistakable determination that carried her through every chapter of her life. CJ’s memorial mass with full military honors will be held Tuesday June 23, 2026 at 11 am at Holy Redeemer Catholic Church in Kitty Hawk, NC.
To honor of CJ- in lieu of flowers the family has suggested making a memorial donation to Tunnels to Towers, Operation Smile, or any worthy charity of your choice. Please share expressions of sympathy with the family on-line at www.gallopfuneralservices.com. Gallop Funeral Services, Inc. was entrusted with arrangements.