Jan Greer Endfinger has a familiar name, one we’ve all heard along the Gulf Coast. She is the great-granddaughter of Autry Greer, founder of Greer’s Markets.

Jan was born and raised in Mobile and graduated from Murphy High School. During her teenage years, she was a cashier at the family business. After high school, Jan attended the University of West Florida and studied business management.

She lived in Brewton for some time, but came back to Mobile six years ago.

“I love being home with my family,” Jan says.

Jan is now director of human resources and marketing director for Greer's.

When Jan isn't working, she enjoys volunteering, something her family instilled in her at a young age.

“It’s a part of how we grew up, to be a part of the communities where we reside,” she says.

“I’ve always been involved with my church ministries,” Jan says. “I was the president of PTA at T.R. Miller in Brewton; I was on the arts council there too. I hear that someone or something needs help and I go for it.”

As the 2014 Heart Ball chair, Jan hopes to raise more money for the American Heart Association.

Wheeler Todd Thomas

Jan didn’t become heavily involved in heart disease prevention until her grandson, Wheeler Thomas, was born with two holes in his heart.

“I remember holding Wheeler for the first time,” Jan says. “He was so tiny and hooked up to so many machines. Thanks to the wonderful care he received then and continues to receive now, Wheeler is a much healthier two-year old.”

One hole in his heart closed on its own; the other hole will probably require surgery at the University of Alabama at Birmingham around his third birthday.

“We are blessed that he is doing so well and that the medical team in Brewton and at Children’s and Women’s Hospital were alert to his birth condition. We are grateful for his doctors at University of Alabama at Birmingham as well.”

Heart Disease

Heart disease is often hereditary, and that made this disease personal to Jan and her children. Her father, Jack Greer, has been a long-time heart patient, and her uncle, Bartee Greer, helped start the local Bounce Back cardiac rehabilitation program. 

Jan’s husband Gene suffered a heart attack last summer. He had a blockage and had a stent put in. Gene has recently participated in the Bounce Back program and enjoys the staff.

“I’ve been approved to exercise as his “HeartMate,” Jan says.

There was a time when Jan didn’t think about this disease or raising funds and awareness about it. Now, she thinks about it a lot.

“I truly believe raising funds to support the fight against cardiovascular disease and stroke leads to continued discovery, research and public education,” Jan says. “All of the money raised by the American Heart Association supports these efforts.”