Services for Leota Riley were held on Saturday, Oct. 16, 2021, at Pruitt Baptist Church. A graveside service followed at Union Chapel Cemetery with Pastor Mike Calhoun officiating. Family served as pallbearers. Visitation was at Hilliard Funeral Home

Leota Norrell Riley was born Sept. 12, 1927, in the Little Hope Community of Canton, Texas. Leota graduated from Ropesville High School in 1946. She was a devoted Christian, asking Jesus into her heart at the age of 9. She married the love of her life, Alvin Wesley Riley, on Aug. 2, 1946, and together, they moved several places including Levelland for 12 years. In 1968, they moved to Van and became members of Pruitt Baptist Church, where they have been ever since.

Leota passed away at the age of 94 on Oct. 13, 2021. She was preceded in death by her husband of 53 years, Alvin Wesley Riley; mother, Dovie Rosetta Gilliam Norrell; father, Jim Norrell and brothers, Kelcie, Cephas, Jesse, Weldon, and G.L.

Survivors include her children, Shirley Jackson, Carolyn Smith (JD), Sue Ray, Benny Riley (Gwen), and Pat Riley (Robin); grandchildren, Jason Jackson (Destie), Angie Gandy, Lance Smith, Stephanie Kuster (Tom), Josh Ray (Rachel), Wesley Riley, Derrick Riley (Vonia), Morgan Riley (Dylan), and Olivia Riley; great-grandchildren, Nicole, Clay, Cash, Chloe, Christian, Grace, Easton, Harrison, Loureli, Haven, Emily, Ashley, and Kevin; and great-great-grandchildren, Addilynn and Tucker.