Mrs. Barbara Riley

Beautiful. Strong. Quiet. Loving. The epitome of a lady. Just a few words to describe Barbara Laverne Riley. She was born the eldest daughter, and the fourth of seven children to the late James and Mamie Grimmett on January 7, 1944, in Detroit, MI. After the passing of her mother, Barbara was sent to live with relatives Susie and James Richards, who created a loving family and also blessed her with an additional sister and best friend in Julia Dorsey. Although living separate from her biological siblings, she maintained a close relationship with them, particularly her sisters Sarah and Sandra. Growing up, Barbara and her family attended King Solomon Baptist Church, where she was a dedicated member of the Usher Board, a role she loved dearly. It was at King Solomon that she met and married her husband of 50 years, Vernan Riley. Together, they had three children: Briana, Vernika and Andre. They were married until his death on December 19, 2019. Barbara worked as a clerk for a printing company until Julia, who worked for the state, directed her into the nursing field through the MDTA, a government training agency. She became a CNA and, before the birth of her first child, obtained her Associate's degree to become a Registered Nurse. Barbara was a quiet person who loved everyone, especially her kids and family. She had a green thumb and loved gardening, often making her yard one of the most beautiful on the block. She also loved to sew and made everything from drapes to clothes, eventually joining the Temple of Faith quilting class with her sister Sarah to create quilts full of love for family and friends. Barbara had a deep love for animals, especially dogs and fish. She and Julia's daughter, Yolanda Garrett, now deceased, were aquarium buddies. Although Barbara had many dogs growing up, none rivaled her best buddy Chloe, who was a great companion and comfort in her later years. Barbara was a God-fearing woman who raised her children to love the Lord. She was a faithful member of Liberty Baptist Church, bringing her family and grandchildren to participate in Bible studies and Vacation Bible School. At Liberty, she was an active member of the Usher Board and the Liberty Temple Seasoned Saints until health issues slowed her down. She was also a member of faithful member of Overcomers Evangel Baptist Church Sunday School. She loved to travel especially to see her 6 grandchildren who were her joy. Barbara departed this life on April 28, 2024, after a long battle with congestive heart failure. She was preceded in death by her husband, Vernan Riley; her son-in-law, Albert Thomas; her parents, Mamie Griffin and George Grimmett; her in-laws, Mary Louise Riley and Henry Riley; her brothers, Charles, George, James, and Ronald Grimmett; her brothers-in-law, William, Kenneth, Paul, Ezil, and John Riley; and her sister-in-law, Pearline Evans. She leaves to cherish her memory and celebrate her life her daughter, Briana Alise Thomas of Covington, Georgia; her daughter, Vernika Latise Tracey Eubanks of Montgomery, AL; her son, Vernon Andre Riley; her grandson, Amaris Christopher Thomas; her granddaughters, Jordynn Simone Eubanks, Morgan Nicole Eubanks, Rylee Michelle Thomas, Faith Arianna Thomas, and Destiny Alise Thomas; her sisters, Sarah Hollis, Sandra Gillon (Marvin), and Julia Maynor; her sisters-in-law, Luary Riley, Scherry Riley, Helen Ford (Leroy), Virginia Riley, and Gwendolyn Riley; and a host of nieces, nephews, cousins, and friends.

Mrs. Barbara Riley

January 7, 1944 - April 28, 2024