Rhoda Riley

The life of Sister Rhoda Riley began March 3, 1928. She was the second daughter born to Walter Riley and Mary Farrar at Neelys Landing.

Rhoda confessed her life to Christ at an early age at Hilley Chapel in Cape Girardeau under the leadership of Rev. White. She later joined New Bethel Missionary Baptist Church where she has served as a Sunday school teacher, usher, and in many other various ministries.

Sister Riley attended Cobb School. She retired from Chateau Girardeau after working 10 years. But retirement was not for her and she began working part time for the Family Resource Center where she worked until she took ill.

Sister Rhoda was a devoted daughter, sister, mother, grandmother, great-grandmother, aunt, friend, and mentor. Her house was always open to the kids of the neighborhood. She was the matriarch of the family. Her strength, faith, kindness and wisdom will be missed tremendously by everyone who knew her.

Sister Riley was preceded in death by her father and mother, Walter and Mary Riley, and brother Charlie Riley.

She leaves to embrace her legacy two daughters, Brenda Newbern (Roscoe) of Cape Girardeau, Mary Brathwaite (Patrick) of Fort Worth Texas; a sister, Alberta Sides of Milwaukee, Wis.; five grandchildren, a great-grandchild; a dedicated niece, Marilyn Simms; and a host of nieces and nephews.

Our mama touched so many special people in her life. She loved them and was deeply loved by them. We cannot list them all but we would like to give special recognition to all who knew and loved her.

Friends may call at Ford and Sons Mount Auburn Funeral Home from 4 to 8 p.m. Friday.

The funeral will be at 1:30 p.m. Saturday at the funeral home with the Rev. Johnny Thomas officiating. Burial will follow in Fairmount Cemetery.