Helen Bennett Riley

Published 12:01 am Thursday, May 3, 2018

Aug. 13, 1928 – April 29, 2018

JONESVILLE — Services for Helen Bennett Riley, 89, of Jonesville, who died Sunday, April 29, 2018, in Jonesville, will be 10 a.m. Saturday at First United Methodist Church of Jonesville with chaplain Monty Bower and the Rev. Stuart Sherman officiating.

Burial will follow at Nolley Memorial Cemetery in Jena, La., under the direction of Young’s Funeral Home in Jonesville.

Visitation will be from 5 to 8 p.m. Friday at the church.

Mrs. Riley was born Aug. 13, 1928, in Archie, La., the daughter of George Spencer Cotton Bennett and Delpha Coleman Bennett.

She was a 1945 graduate of Block High School and continued her education at Northwestern State University, earning a bachelor of science degree in education in 1948.

Mrs. Riley was a teacher for 33 years. She taught in Maplewood, Iowa, Olla, La., and finished her career at Block High School where she taught for 26 years. She was a very passionate and caring teacher and dedicated many hours to teaching. After spending the day in the classroom, her nights were spent grading papers, typing tests or practicing for the senior play.

She married Roy B. Riley Sr., Aug. 16, 1956. They were married for 51 years until his death. She was a member of the First United Methodist Church of Jonesville and Daughters of the American Revolution.

Mrs. Riley was an avid tennis player and instrumental in getting the community involved and interested in playing tennis. She even began a wheelchair tennis program in Jonesville. One of the happiest days of her life was when her tennis team won the state title. Due to her determination and drive, Mrs. Riley accomplished anything she put her mind to. She loved to laugh and play pranks, but mostly, she was a caregiver and wanted to help others in any way she could. She also loved her family and especially loved spoiling her grandchildren.

Mrs. Riley was preceded in death by her husband; her parents; and three sisters, Georgia Bennett Richardson, Vera Bennett Robinson and Norma Bennett White.

Survivors include three children, Roy B. “Butch” Riley Jr., Ron K. Riley and wife, Rachel, and Stephanie Riley Labarre and husband, Steven, all of Baton Rouge; six grandchildren, Ashley Danielle Riley, Eric Nathanial Riley, Riley David Labarre, Elizabeth Bennett Labarre, Olivia Lynn Labarre and Victoria Hanhart Labarre.

Pallbearers will be Riley David Labarre, Eric Nathaniel Riley, Stan Richardson, Deven Brooks, Reggie Craig and Patrick Thomas.

Online condolences may be sent to youngsfh.com.