Mrs. lona Elfrida Riley was born in Mt. Moriah, St. Ann Jamaica to the late Adiana Peart and Robert Reid April 20th, 1918. lona attended Mt. Moriah Primary school, and Mt. Moriah Baptist Church, with her siblings, where she excelled in both. In the early to mid 1950's she migrated to the United States, where she resided in New Mexico, and shortly after Chicago.
lona met her late husband Phillip G. Riley and was married for over 48 years. During their marriage they raised two daughters, Phyllis and Jacqueline Riley, and established a home in Evanston, IL. They attended St. Andrew's Episcopal Church for over 40 years, which quickly became more like family.
lona loved to work at the church on Saturday's, where she would bring her 2 girls to show the importance of participating in church and preparing the alter for Sunday service. She also participated in church functions, banquet, and charity events. And was loved by her church family as well. While we all know her as lona, she was also known as "Onie" to her second family, The Fords. She took care of the Ford children for quite some time and was loved dearly by the whole family.
lona will be remembered by her Kindness, and soft heart to everyone, her love of travel, and her great fashion sense. She was preceded in death by her late husband Phillip Riley and Daughter Phyllis Riley. She is survived by Daughter: Jacqueline Riley-Williams (Donovan Willams), Grandchildren: Sheena Riley (Andre Dandy), lona and Ernest Davis (Solange Belony), Great-Grandchildren: Naomi Davis, Omari Davis, Zavier and Zayla Dandy. Sister-n-Law: Elsie and Elaine Riley, Brother-n-Law: Renford Riley. As well as a host of Nieces and Nephews by whom she will be dearly missed. Please keep the family in your prayers.
Arrangement entrusted to Thompson Funeral & Cremation Services, Inc. Mr. Philip L. Gillette ~ Funeral Director
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