Helen Riley

ECHO COMMUNITY…Mrs. Helen J. Martin Riley, a resident of the Echo Community, died early Friday afternoon, January 6, 2023, at her home. She was 91.

Funeral services will be held at 10:30 A.M. Tuesday, January 10, 2023, in the Echo United Methodist Church with Reverend Alan Meyer officiating. A eulogy will be given by Mr. Bill Ferguson. Burial will follow in the church cemetery. Fuqua Bankston Funeral Home of Ozark is in charge of arrangements. The family will receive friends from 5:30 until 7:30 P.M. Monday at the funeral home.

In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to the Echo United Methodist Church Building Fund, c/o Leah Shirley, 8809 E Hwy 27, Ozark, Alabama 36360 or to the Echo Fire & Rescue, 11687 E. Highway 27, Newville, Alabama 36353.

Mrs. Riley, daughter of the late Lonnie Dee Martin and Flossie Barefield Martin, was a native of the Bertha Community of Dale County. She lived in various locations in the United States while her husband served in the United States Air Force. Mrs. Riley returned to the family farm in Echo in 1961. She served as Past President of the Clopton Homemaker’s Club and the Echo Homemaker’s Club. Mrs. Riley was an active member of the Echo United Methodist Church where she taught Sunday school and was a member of the choir. Some of her happiest moments were when she was traveling, gardening, and being with her family. Mrs. Riley was preceded in death by her husband, Jerry G. Riley (Staff Sergeant, United States Air Force, Retired), siblings, Lonnice Martin, Miriam Snell, Winifred Grantham, Bill Martin, Wade Martin, Lydia Parker, her twin sister, Ellen Martin, J.D. Martin, Corene Griggs, and Ruby Smith.

Surviving relatives include her daughter, Jeri Dellutro (Joseph), Port Richey, Florida; son, Jimmy Riley (Tammy), Echo Community; three grandchildren, Jeannie Kiriwas (Anton), Joseph Dellutro (Melissa), and Dr. Caleb Riley (Sydney); four great-grandchildren, Sagan Kiriwas, Aurora Kiriwas, John Dellutro, and Emory Riley; numerous nieces, nephews, and other relatives.