Molly Greene (Water Mission): 10 Key Things You Must Know

Overview

Molly Greene was a visionary humanitarian and the co-founder of Water Mission, an organization dedicated to providing clean, safe water to communities in dire need worldwide. Her work touched millions and radically transformed the access to clean water in over 50 countries. Greene tragically passed away on July 17, 2019, with her legacy enduring through the ongoing work of the Water Mission. This article delves into various facets of her life, work, and enduring impact.

1. Early Life and Background

Molly Feemster Greene was born on June 7, 1947, in Tupelo, Mississippi. She earned a bachelor's degree in Spanish from Mississippi State College for Women. Her early life was marked by profound faith and a commitment to service, which guided her throughout her career and personal endeavors.

2. Co-Founding Water Mission

Along with her husband, Dr. George Chester Greene III, Molly co-founded Water Mission, originally known as Water Missions International, in 2001. The organization was born out of their experiences responding to Hurricane Mitch, where they identified a dire need for clean water systems. Water Mission has grown to implement innovative water solutions globally, impacting millions of lives.

3. The Global Water Crisis

Green and her husband first became acutely aware of the global water crisis during their philanthropic response in Honduras in 1998. They discovered that billions of people did not have access to clean water, inspiring them to commit to combating this issue through the founding of Water Mission.

4. Water Mission's Achievements

Since its inception, Water Mission has provided access to safe water to over 8 million people in 60 countries through more than 3,200 projects. The organization is headquartered at 1150 Molly Greene Way, North Charleston, SC. It stands as a testament to Greene's dedication and foresight in addressing global water challenges.

5. Recognition and Awards

The Greenes were recipients of numerous accolades for their humanitarian work, including the Order of the Palmetto, South Carolina's highest civilian award. Molly herself was honored with many awards such as the Rotary Club of Charleston International Service Award and the American Water Works Association Award of Merit.

6. Molly Greene Obituary

Molly passed away in a tragic accidental drowning while on vacation with her family in the Bahamas in 2019. Her death was mourned globally, with tributes pouring from numerous individuals and communities positively impacted by her work.

7. Personal Values and Faith

Greene's strong Christian faith was a cornerstone in her life and work. She lived by the principles of love, integrity, and excellence, and firmly believed in the power of prayer, often attributing the success of Water Mission’s projects to divine guidance.

8. Challenges and Resilience

One of the significant challenges Water Mission faced under Greene's leadership was the skepticism toward newly implemented water systems in developing areas. Molly personally demonstrated the safety of their solutions, famously drinking the newly purified water herself to assure concerned villagers.

9. Molly Greene Way

In honor of Molly's lasting impact, Kinzer Street, where Water Mission's headquarters are situated, was renamed to 1150 Molly Greene Way. This act signifies the profound appreciation and recognition by the local community and her broader work's reach.

10. Continuing the Mission

Today, Water Mission continues to thrive under the leadership of their son, George C. Greene IV, building on Molly's foundational work. The organization continues to innovate and expand its reach, ensuring Molly's vision for accessible clean water remains alive.

Conclusion

Molly Greene's life was a powerful testament to how one person's vision and commitment can create global change. Through Water Mission, she transformed countless lives and communities by making something as essential as clean water accessible to millions. Her death was a significant loss, but her legacy continues to inspire. Her story challenges us all: How can we continue her work and legacy in today's world?