Marie W. Riley

Marie Riley, born December 22, 1944, and raised in Columbia, SC, was a woman of true grace, compassion, and love. She was the daughter of the late Clarence Harmon of Brooklyn, NY, and the late Annie Lee Nixon of Columbia, SC. 

From an early age, Marie showed an immense passion for education, which guided her as she attended the public schools of South Carolina. Her dedication and hard work paid off, and she eventually went on to have a successful career in early childhood education from which she would later retire. Throughout her professional life, she remained devoted to her students, constantly going above and beyond to ensure that they received the best possible start in life. Her tireless efforts and unwavering commitment earned her the respect and admiration of both colleagues and parents alike.

While Marie was passionate about her work, her greatest joy in life came from spending time with her family. She cherished every moment with her loved ones, and her infectious laughter and warm smile lit up any room she walked into. Her family will always remember her as a kind, loving, and selfless individual, who was always there to lend a helping hand or offer words of comfort.

Marie was preceded in death by her husband, Roosevelt Mike Riley, Jr. and her brother, John Chatman of Columbia, SC.

Those left to cherish her memories are her children, Carl Vanday Riley, Rose-Marie Riley, Orson Mike Riley and Cassandra Ann (Christopher) Boyd; her sister, Carolyn Dyer, of Atlanta, GA. She also leaves twelve grandchildren, twelve great-grandchildren, and a host of nieces, nephews, cousins, and other close family members and friends.

Marie's legacy will live on through the countless lives she touched, both through her work in education and her unwavering love for her family. She will be deeply missed, but her spirit will continue to guide and inspire us all.

Rest in peace, dear Marie Riley. You will always be remembered with love and gratitude.