Thelma Bernadine Riley

Sister Thelma Bernadine Riley departed this life on Sunday, April 6, 2025, at her home in Sunrise, La. She was 90 years old. She was born in Ostricia, Louisiana to the parents of the late Saxon and Madeline Taylor. She was married to the late Wesley Riley. To their union, 6 beloved children, Mona (Bernell) Trufant, Janie Marie (late Vincent) Marshall, Ray, Carl Sr., (Betty), Terry, and Chanell (Ledion) Shkembi.

Sister Thelma was a devoted and faithful member of the First Mount Zion Baptist Church where she served faithfully in various capacities within her local church. She served as the Deaconess Ministry President until her death, she also served as the Sunday School Superintendent for many years, where she would often sing her favorite song "Rise, Shine & Give God the Glory." She also served in the choir, on the Usher Board, as well as the Mission Department President. She also served various capacities with the local association, Christian Ministers Missionary Baptist General Association of Plaquemines Parish. She served faithfully for many years serving in the Choir Department, Women Department as well as the Usher Board. She also served faithfully for many years within the Southeast Louisiana Regional where she served as a Youth Counselor and Drill Team Instructor. Sister Riley will be known for always quoting and living her favorite scripture, Matthew 5:16, Let your light so shine before men, that they may see your good works, and glorify your Father in heaven." One of her favorite sayings was, "You may be the only Bible that people may read." Sleep on Sister Riley and take your rest, we loved you on this side, but God loved you best.

Thelma is survived by her siblings, Estelle Coleman (late Robert), Beatrice Prout (late Hewitt), Benjamin Taylor (Caffie), Stanley Taylor, Bruce Taylor, JoAnn Smith, Norma Smith, Roxanne Jones (Floyd), and Celeste Green. She is also survived by 21 grandchildren, 77 great grandchildren, 18 great - great grandchildren, her First Mount Zion Baptist Church Family, a host of nieces, nephews, other relatives and devoted friends.

She is predeceased by her husband the late Wesley Riley, 1 grandson Draper O. Riley Sr., siblings Carroll (late Elaine) Taylor, Wilfred Taylor, Annette (late Oliver) Smith.


Relatives and friends of the family are invited to attend the celebration of life service which will be held on Saturday, April 12, 2025, at Greater Mount Sinai Baptist Church located at 27954 La - 23, Port Sulphur, La, 70083. The visitation will begin at 9 a.m., and end at 11 a.m. Pastor Reginald H. Burl Sr., officiating and Rev. Allen Johnson is the host pastor. Entombment will follow at Mt. Zion Memorial Park Cemetery in Empire, La.

The family will receive guest for a wake service and musical on Friday, April 11, 2025, at First Mount Zion Baptist Church 32471 LA - 23, Empire, La., 70050. The visitation will be from 6 - 7 p.m., and the musical will be from 7 - 9 p.m.

Funeral planning entrusted to Robinson Family Funeral Home 9611 La - 23, Belle Chasse, La 70037 9504) 208 - 2119.

For online condolences please visit www.robinsonfamilyfuneralhome.com

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