Alisa Jeff Riley

Alisa Jeff-Riley, daughter of Sandra Lambright and the late Edward Jeff, was born in Kings County, Brooklyn, New York on September 14, 1966.   

Alisa made her transition to Heaven on Tuesday, June 18, 2019 at Holy Cross Hospital of complications from pneumonia and a battle with breast cancer.

Alisa spent most of adult years in New York before permanently relocating to Silver Springs, Maryland where she attended University of Maryland University College.  Prior to relocating to Maryland Alisa worked with the New York City Board of Education for ten years and five years with South Carolina Department of Corrections.  Alisa’s giving spirit and loving nature led her to work with emotionally disturbed children at the Children’s Guild in Maryland, where she provided education, love and mentoring to the students and residents.

Alisa had an infectious personality and everyone who met her loved her, in fact, as a small child; her great grandmother Queenie Bennett nicked named her “PeepleChillin” meaning people’s children.  This characteristic followed her throughout her life awarding her a host of good friends and many children and young adults who referred to her as their second mom.  Her home was open to all, and her spirit and laughter always made people feel uplifted.  Her blunt and candid attitude left no one wondering how she felt, which made people drawn to her for advice and comfort because they knew she would give them the truth—she often stated that the truth only hurts when you are living a lie.

Alisa was a nurturer and when her children were grown and left the home, she begun nurturing plants, which covered her home like a tropical garden.  She was the second mother to her nieces and nephews, and often time, tried to be with her sisters.  Alisa was a momma bear to her children and grandchildren who meant the world to her.  Her favorite past time was on FaceTime talking and laughing with her grandchildren every night, and she shared every milestone or funny thing they said or did with her family.  She spent countless hours talking to her mother, sisters, cousins and children on the phone and she always sent text messages expressing her love and appreciation for her loved ones.  Alisa also developed a love for nighttime television series and anyone who knew her, knew that you do not to call her during her shows; or when she was on the phone with her grandchildren because if you did you would hear some of those blunt remarks people came to know her for.

Alisa leaves behind to cherish her memory:  Her husband Daryl Glen Riley (Kendu), her children—Candra, Rayneek and Daryl; her grandchildren Jadin (Jado), Kaylen (Nunie), Alina (Boobi) and Ashton (PePe); her loving mother Sandra Lambright; her sisters—Aleta Gaymon of Queens, New York; Mamcha Scott (James) of Columbia SC; Funcina McClain of Atlanta GA.  Her great grandparents Williene and Albany John of Columbia SC.  She also leaves a host of nieces, nephews, aunts and uncles—all of who adored Lisa and her feisty spirit.    

To send flowers to the family or plant a tree in memory of Alisa Jeff Riley, please visit our floral store.