Mary Jane Riley September 26, 1946- May 26, 2013 Phenix City, AL- Our entire community remembers Mary Jane Riley as a loyal, loving mother and sister, an unabashed advocate for generations of Phenix City students and a true leader in her city and congregation. She died May 26th, and is survived by her daughter, Meredith Riley Stewart of New York, NY, son Morgan Riley of Birmingham, AL and sister Dorothy Giles of Phenix City. Born in East Orange, NJ on September 26th, 1946, and raised by her mother Janie Giles in Tuscaloosa, AL, Mrs. Riley graduated from the University of Alabama. She married Aubrey V. Riley (d. 2008) in 1967 and later moved to Phenix City, where she began her 40-year career in the city's School System in 1974. From her original position as a Spanish teacher at South Girard, Mrs. Riley's career progressed through roles as a Guidance Counselor, Assistant Principal and Principal at Central High School. She most recently served as Assistant Superintendent of the Phenix City School System. Mrs. Riley was tireless in her passion to nurture and support the people of Phenix City. She devoted her energy to Relay For Life , served on the Board of Habitat for Humanity of Russell County and was active in the Rotary Club. Mrs. Riley also sat on the Boards of the Columbus Symphony Orchestra, the Children and Family Connection of Russell County and the Russell County Child Advocacy Center. She was a long-time member of Summerville United Methodist Church. A grave side memorial service for Mrs. Riley will be held on Thursday, May 30th, at 4 p.m. at Lakeview Memory Gardens in Phenix City. Visitation will be at 3 p.m. at Vance Memorial Chapel. All are welcome to attend a fellowship meal immediately after the service. The meal will be held at Central High School. In lieu of flowers, the family has asked for donations to be made to one of the following organizations whose work Mrs. Riley championed: Russell County Relay For Life (c/o Jeanne Adams); 2420 Canter Dr., Phenix City, AL 36867; and/or Habitat for Humanity of Russell County (c/o George Martin); PO Box 3590, Phenix City, AL, 36868-3590.
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