Glenna Sawyer Riley

Glenna Sawyer Riley - of Saraland passed away peacefully on January 10, 2015 surrounded by her loving family. She was 82 years old. Glenna was a treasure to many friends and family members. She will be greatly missed.

Born on June 19, 1932, in Johnson City, TN, Glenna grew up in Erwin, TN. and earlier years in Upton Massachusetts. She graduated from Albion College in Albion, Michigan. She continued her education at the University of Mississippi where she received her Master’s in Spanish and English. Glenna taught Spanish at Vigor High School for 32 years. Her love of teaching will be remembered by her students as a positive influence in their lives. Glenna chaperoned many educational tours to Europe with her students.

Over the years, Glenna gave of herself unselfishly, serving and volunteering in many capacities. She was instrumental in starting the first Business and Professional Women’s Club in Saraland and former past president. She was a devoted member for more than 50 years to Saraland United Methodist Church and the United Methodist Women. She served as President of the UMW in 1991 and received the Special Recognition Award in 1997. Glenna was a loving wife to Curtis (Rip) Riley, sharing 57 years of marriage together. She was a dedicated mother, grandmother and great grandmother who loved them dearly. She leaves her family and friends with many cherished memories.

Glenna was preceded in death by her parents, Reginald Phillip Sawyer and Ellene Goodin Sawyer. She was also preceded in death by her beloved husband, Curtis "Rip" Reginald Riley Sr. She is survived by her children, Ellen Riley Sewell , (Jack “B.J.”); Curtis (Curt) Reginald Riley Jr. (Cindy), and Glenna “Gine” Riley; grandchildren, Jennifer Coyle (David), Jessica McArthur (James), and Christopher Sewell; great –grandchildren, Alexis Coyle, Zoey Coyle and Camden McArthur; and many friends and family. Funeral services will be held from the chapel of Radney Funeral Home in Saraland on Saturday, January 17, 2015. Visitation will be 9:00 a.m. until 11:00 a.m. Funeral Services will be at 11:00 a.m. followed by Interment at Forest Lawn Memorial Gardens. Pallbearers will be Orville Carter, Terry Hopper, Nathan Pope, David Boshell, James Mercier, and Jackson (BJ) Sewell.

In lieu of flowers, the family requests the memorial donations be made to Saraland United Methodist Church Memorial Fund, 415 McKeough Ave., Saraland, AL 36571. Condolences may be offered at www.radney funeralhome-saraland.com. Arrangements by Radney Funeral Home, 1200 Industrial Parkway, Saraland, Alabama 36571.