The Ledger

By Becky Holland

DeeAnn Greene showed up to our interview with a big smile, a big wave, and a big pink pocketbook — the kind of entrance that tells you right away exactly who you’re about to meet.

Warm. Welcoming. Unapologetically herself.

At 44, Greene is a wife, a mother of two, and someone who has learned how to live in a body that doesn’t always cooperate — but still shows up anyway.

Married to Douglas and raising their two children, Grady, 13, and Dollie Rose, 10, Greene’s life didn’t begin with uncertainty. She grew up in Hawkinsville and graduated from Hawkinsville High School, later becoming a fifth-grade teacher alongside Larry Bennett, focusing on reading and writing.

“I loved teaching,” she said.

But then, everything changed.

What followed was a long and frustrating journey — more than two years of searching for answers. What doctors eventually discovered was something rare and complex: Greene was diagnosed with Lambert-Eaton Myasthenic Syndrome (LEMS) and Myasthenia Gravis (MG) — two neuromuscular diseases that affect how the body communicates with its muscles.

In simple terms, both conditions disrupt the signals between the nerves and muscles, causing weakness.

Myasthenia Gravis occurs when the body’s immune system attacks the connection between nerves and muscles, making it harder for muscles to respond. This can lead to drooping eyelids, trouble speaking, and extreme fatigue.

Lambert-Eaton Myasthenic Syndrome is even rarer. It affects how nerves release the chemicals that tell muscles to move, often causing weakness in the legs and making it difficult to stand, walk, or climb.

“It’s not like MS,” Greene explained. “It’s not as progressive.”

Still, what she faced was life-altering.

By 2008, Greene was completely bedbound.

The diagnosis itself is rare — affecting only about two out of every one million people — and treatment is not simple. Greene takes multiple medications daily, including pills every four hours and steroids to help manage symptoms. After participating in a trial study, she has seen about a 60 percent improvement.

Even so, there are limits.

“I can’t run,” she said simply.

At one point, Greene wasn’t even sure if she would be able to have children. But through careful medical guidance, testing, and constant monitoring, she and Douglas were able to grow their family.

“My children are normal and healthy and brilliant!” she said.

Life wasn’t always easy for Greene growing up, but she never went without what mattered most.

“My mom worked hard so we would never have to do without,” she said. “She taught me the importance of being punctual and dependable.”

Those lessons shaped who Greene would become — not just in her own life, but in how she shows up for others.

Because of the people who helped her along the way, Greene has become a strong advocate for those in need. Whether it’s raising money, collecting items, or simply speaking up, she uses what she calls her greatest tool — her voice.

“I am a loud mouth,” she said with a laugh. “But I use it for good.”

Greene has a way of noticing what others might miss.

“When I walk into a room, I’m very observant… I can read the room pretty well.”

And when she sees a need, she doesn’t ignore it.

She acts.

A voice for the underdog, Greene says her heart for others comes from experience.

“I’ve been there.”

Her faith also plays a central role in how she loves people.

“I try to love the unlovable,” she said. “The Bible says to love your neighbor, and I take that to heart.”

Sometimes that love shows up in small, quiet ways.

“If a name randomly crosses my mind, I’ll reach out right then,” she said. “Just to let them know I’m thinking of them or to give them a word of encouragement. That’s my love language.”

And sometimes, it shows up in consistency.

During her time teaching, Greene made it a point to write letters of encouragement to one particular class — every year until they graduated.

When asked why, she simply shrugged.

It was just who she is.

That same spirit was modeled by her mother, whom she describes as kind and big-hearted. Her mom kept a wall calendar filled with birthdays and anniversaries, faithfully sending out cards so people would feel remembered.

Today, Greene carries that same intentional love into her community.

Though she and her family live in Dodge County, her children attend school in Bleckley County — and Greene has made herself right at home. She is active in the Parent Teacher Organization and brings joy in a unique way, serving as “Auntie Claus” — Santa Claus’s “much older, cooler sister” — especially for children in the special education program.

She also volunteers with the Cochran-Bleckley County Recreation Department and helps raise funds for individuals and families in need whenever she can.

For Greene, showing up isn’t optional.

It’s who she is.

Photos by DeeAnn Greene Family