Sister Thelma Bernadine Riley departed this life on Sunday, April 6, 2025, at her home in Sunrise, La. She was 90 years old. She was born in Ostricia, Louisiana to the parents of the late Saxon and Madeline Taylor. She was married to the late Wesley Riley. To their union, 6 beloved children, Mona (Bernell) Trufant, Janie Marie (late Vincent) Marshall, Ray, Carl Sr., (Betty), Terry, and Chanell (Ledion) Shkembi. Sister Thelma was a devoted and faithful member of the First Mount Zion Baptist Church where she served faithfully in various capacities within her local church. She served as the Deaconess Ministry President until her death, she also served as the Sunday School Superintendent for many years, where she would often sing her favorite song 'Rise, Shine & Give God the Glory.' She also served in the choir, on the Usher Board, as well as the Mission Department President.
She also served various capacities with the local association, Christian Ministers Missionary Baptist General Association of Plaquemines Parish. She served faithfully for many years serving in the Choir Department, Women Department as well as the Usher Board. She also served faithfully for many years within the Southeast Louisiana Regional where she served as a Youth Counselor and Drill Team Instructor. Sister Riley will be known for always quoting and living her favorite scripture, Matthew 5:16, Let your light so shine before men, that they may see your good works, and glorify your Father in heaven.' One of her favorite sayings was, 'You may be the only Bible that people may read.' Sleep on Sister Riley and take your rest, we loved you on this side, but God loved you best. Thelma is survived by her siblings, Estelle Coleman (late Robert), Beatrice Prout (late Hewitt), Benjamin Taylor (Caffie), Stanley Taylor, Bruce Taylor, JoAnn Smith, Norma Smith, Roxanne Jones (Floyd), and Celeste Green. She is also survived by 21 grandchildren, 77 great grandchildren, 18 great - great grandchildren, her First Mount Zion Baptist Church Family, a host of nieces, nephews, other relatives and devoted friends.
She is predeceased by her husband the late Wesley Riley, 1 grandson Draper O. Riley Sr., siblings Carroll (late Elaine) Taylor, Wilfred Taylor, Annette (late Oliver) Smith. Funeral planning entrusted to Robinson Family Funeral Home. For online condolences please visit www.robinsonfamilyfuneralhome.
com.