Alice Marlene Riley

Marlene’s love of music was truly a gift that she enjoyed sharing with everyone. She began piano lessons at 4 years old and her music studies continued through college at Southern Nazarene University in Bethany, Oklahoma. She felt privileged to start playing the piano and organ at First Church of the Nazarene in Houston at age 12 and continued playing there over the next 30 years. It was an honor for her to play the organ at First Baptist Church in Wharton for many years; especially with her dear friend Sally Soderquist at the piano.

Marlene was preceded in death by her parents Home and Lela Graham and her sister Peggy Douglas Barger. She is survived by her husband, Gorman Riley of Wharton, son, Charlie Burrell of Tyler, daughters, Becky Burrell of Wharton, Maria Hahn of Sealy and step-daughter Carolyn Riley of Houston, and her grandson Cody Burrell of Tyler. Marlene is also survived by numerous nieces and nephews.

In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to Mission Ministry, c/o First Baptist Church, 507 N. Fulton St., Wharton, Texas 77488.