Willa Riley

Willa Riley was born March 1, 1943 to Earlie and Stella Ivory in Saltillo, Mississippi. Ms. Willa attended grade schools and high school in Mishawaka, Indiana. Moving to South Bend in 1960, Willa married Fred T. Riley Sr. on December 31, 1962. She worked for many years in the health science field. Retiring from Memorial Hospital after 28 ½ years. 

She enjoyed spending quality time with her family and friends. Willa had a special group of ladies that she enjoyed social lunches periodically. She found pleasure in reading, cooking, and smelling the roses (literally) while she was here on earth. Willa was well-loved by the people who knew her because she was willing to help those who needed it. 

Willa is survived by her sister, Doris (George) Wright; her daughters: Eydith (Willie) Ivory Menyard of South Bend, Indiana, Sheila Muhammad of South Bend, Indiana, Marcita (Roy) Riley of Minnesota; 8 grandchildren,16 great-grandchildren, 1 great-great-grandchild; as well as a host of nieces, nephews, cousins, and special friends. Willa was a member of Believers Church of Christ with Superintendent Sam Diggins as Pastor. 

Willa was preceded in death by her parents Earlie and Stella Ivory, Fred T. Riley Sr., her siblings Earlean Wardlow,  Robert Ivory,  John (Catherine) L. Ivory, Christine Johnson, Lara Thompson, Addie Burton, Romie Ivory, Ruth Gibbs, Walter Ivory and Fred T. Riley Jr, her only son. 

A few of her favorite scriptures to ponder on:

John 14:1-3

“Do not let your heart be troubled. Trust in God; trust also in me In my Father’s house are many rooms; if it were not so I would have told you.  I am going there to prepare a place for you.  And if I go and prepare a place for you; I will come back and take you with me that you may be where I am.”

John 14:27

“Peace I leave with you, my peace I give you. I do not give to you as the world gives. Do not let your heart be troubled and do not be afraid.”

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