Rita Jane Riley, 77, of Bartlett, TN passed away on October 4, 2023. Rita was born on July 13, 1946 in Tyro, MS. She was preceded in death by her parents, Lonnie and Jean Smith; and grandparents, David and Eunice Clanton. She is survived by her husband of 54 years, David Riley; son, George Riley (Angie); daughter, Tammy Riley (Rodney Huffman); son, Jason Riley (Amy); grandchildren, Gabe Rowell and Brooke Carroll; sister, Lonnie Woolever (Dave); sister, Linda Saino; brother, Danny Smith (Cathy); and her fur-babies: Scooby Sue, Yapa Roo, and Sweetie Petite. Rita was a 1962 graduate of North Panola High School. She was actually in the first graduating class of the new building that is still used today. She graduated with honors and was a member of the Beta Club. She went on to attend Northwest Community College and was the first member of her family to go to college. Her family was the most important thing to her and being “Nona” to her grandchildren was her greatest joy. When her children were growing up, she was the “neighborhood mom” to all their friends. In her free time, she enjoyed doing her word searches and beating everyone at scrabble. The family will receive friends for a time of visitation at Brantley Funeral Home on Saturday, October 7, 2023 from 5-7 pm. A funeral service will be held at 2:30 pm on Sunday, October 8, 2023 also at Brantley Funeral Home. Burial will follow at Mt. Zion Cemetery.
Fond memories and expressions of sympathy may be shared at www.brantleyfuneral.com for the Riley family.
