MECHANICSVILLE—Betty Curlee Riley, 95, passed away in Mechanicsville on November 25, 2023.
She is survived by daughter, Paige R. Norwood (Joe); son, Stephen D. Riley (Cathy); five grandchildren, George Norwood and wife Nikki, Scott Riley and wife Martha, Billy Norwood, Brian Riley and Holly Norwood; one great-grandchild, Dennis Norwood; and numerous loving nieces and nephews.
Betty grew up in Lynchburg, graduated E.C. Glass High School and attended Longwood College. After marriage she lived for a time in Louisville, Ky., before settling in Richmond.
During her years living in Richmond, she was active in Richmond Tri-Club and volunteered as an election worker in Henrico County.
After moving to the Northern Neck, she became an active member of Kilmarnock United Methodist Church where she loved singing in the choir for many years. She also volunteered at Historic Christ Church, where she was a docent for 25 years.
Betty loved playing bridge and was a member of several bridge clubs. She loved to garden and was especially fond of hydrangeas. One of her greatest joys in life was spending time with family and especially her grandchildren with whom she was able to share her love of nature and bird watching.
She was preceded in death by her loving husband of 70 years, Otho Dabney Riley Jr.; her parents, H.L. and Lillie Curlee; and siblings, Harvey Curlee, A.T. Curlee, Rose Brown, Alice Lucas, Mildred Simmonds and Lillie Mae Marshall.
A celebration of life will be held at 1 p.m. on January 6, 2024, at Kilmarnock United Methodist Church, 89 East Church Street, Kilmarnock.
In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to Kilmarnock United Methodist Church, P.O. Box 1473, Kilmarnock, VA 22482; or to Historic Christ Church, P.O. Box 24, Irvington, VA 22480.
