Mrs. Josie M. Riley

RILEY, Mrs. Josie M. - Age 98, passed away Saturday, June 4, 2016 at her residence. Family hour 10:00 a.m. Saturday, June 11, 2016 at Living Word Ministry 2001 W. Carpenter Rd., with funeral service commencing at 11:00 a.m. Elder Kirk Whitmore, Host Pastor, Elder Gregory Cavette officiating. Interment Gracelawn Community Cemetery, G-5710 N. Saginaw St. Friends and pallbearers will assemble at the church 10:00 a.m. Saturday. Mrs. Riley will lie in state in the Chapel of Lawrence E. Moon Funeral Home, 906 W. Flint Park Blvd., and may be viewed from 2:00 p.m. - 8:00 p.m. Friday. Mother Josie Mae Riley was born August 22, 1917 in Rankin County, Mississippi. Mother Riley was the daughter of Mr. & Mrs. Will and Roxie M. Allison. She relocated to Flint in the 50’s to start a new chapter in her life. Upon Josie’s arrival, she found a church in which she was able to grow spiritually. Mother Riley served under the leadership of the late Elder P.J. Cox on Florida St. in Flint. She worked at Viennie Café on St. John Street in Flint. Mother Riley also provided custodial services to many families. She enjoyed gardening, painting (even her shoes), ceramics, singing (making up her own songs) and visiting the Hasselbring Community Center. Mother Riley was an active member of Pasadena Church of God until her health no longer allowed. She worked in various capacities within the church some being: the Mothers Board, Missionary Department, Kitchen Committee, Custodial Committee, Choir and she was also a Community Evangelist. Mother Riley was faithful in paying her tithes and offering, she was dedicated to serving the Lord. Mother Riley enjoyed and loved her church family, and she enjoyed traveling with the saints and going out to eat. She believed in expressing her mind. Mother Riley felt the truth had to be told and didn’t mind speaking it. Mother Josie Mae Riley leaves to cherish her memory: 2 daughters, Margaret (Lenon) Thompson of Flint and Kathy (Robert Sr.) Thompson of Grand Blanc, MI; 2 sons, Billy (Bonita) Riley of Las Vegas, NV and James (Valerie) Riley of Flint; 20 grandchildren (9 of which she had a hand in raising) including special grandson and caregiver, Larry Carr, John Carr, Delores Archie, James Ross, Norma Abbott, Craig Ross, Kenny Ross, Greeta Wilson and Chakka Lewis; a host of great and great-great-grandchildren, other relatives and friends. Mother Riley was preceded in death by her parents, Mr. & Mrs. Will and Roxie M. Allison; 2 siblings including baby sister, Pearlene Allison Singletary; and granddaughter, Cherisse Riley.

Mrs. Josie M. Riley

August 22, 1917 - June 4, 2016