Helen Riley

Funeral services for Helen Bennett Riley, 89, of Jonesville, LA will be Saturday, May 5, 2018 at First United Methodist Church of Jonesville at 10 AM. The family will receive friends Friday, May 4, at First United Methodist Church from 5 PM until 8 PM. Services will be officiated by Chaplain Monty Bower and Rev. Stuart Sherman. Interment will follow at Nolley Memorial Cemetery in Jena, LA, under the direction of Young’s Funeral Home-Jonesville. Mrs. Riley was born August 13, 1928, in Archie, La and passed away April 29, 2018, in Jonesville, La. She was a resident of Jonesville. She graduated from Block High School in 1945 and continued her education at Northwestern State University earning a Bachelors of Science in Education in 1948. Mrs. Riley was a teacher for 33 years. She taught in Maplewood, Iowa, Olla and finished her career at Block High School where she taught for 26 years. She was a very passionate and caring teacher and dedicated many hours to teaching. After spending the day in the classroom, her nights were spent grading papers, typing tests or practicing for the senior play. She married Roy B. Riley, Sr. August 16, 1956. They were married for 51 years until his death. She was a member of the First United Methodist Church of Jonesville and Daughters of the American Revolution. Mrs. Riley was an avid tennis player and instrumental in getting the community involved and interested in playing tennis. She even began a wheelchair tennis program in Jonesville. One of the happiest days of her life was when her tennis team won the state title. Due to her determination and drive, Mrs. Riley accomplished anything she put her mind to. She loved to laugh and play pranks, but mostly she was a caregiver and wanted to help others in any way she could. She also loved her family and especially loved spoiling her grandchildren. Mrs. Riley was preceded in death by her husband, Roy B. Riley, Sr., father, George Spencer Cotton Bennett, mother, Delpha Coleman Bennett and three sisters, Georgia Bennett Richardson, Vera Bennett Robinson and Norma Bennett White. She is survived by her three children, son, Roy B. “Butch” Riley, Jr. of Baton Rouge, La and son Ron K. Riley and wife Rachel of Baton Rouge, La; daughter, Stephanie Riley Labarre and husband Steven of Baton Rouge, La; she is also survived by six grandchildren, Ashley Danielle Riley, Eric Nathanial Riley, Riley David Labarre, Elizabeth Bennett Labarre, Olivia Lynn Labarre and Victoria Hanhart Labarre. Pallbearers will be Riley David Labarre, Eric Nathaniel Riley, Stan Richardson, Deven Brooks, Reggie Craig and Patrick Thomas.

Helen Riley

August 11, 1928 - April 29, 2018