Bessie Lee Riley

Heaven's Gates opened on Monday, October 7, 2013 and Bessie Lee Riley was reunited with her loving family and her Lord; God said he would never leave her side. She was 84 years old, born on October 25, 1928 to J.C. Richard and Arie (Gee) Colbert, Sr. in Leake County, Mississippi. Bessie was a devoted evangelist; she never met a stranger that she didn't spread the good word to. She was an accomplished gospel vocalist; her anointing was called upon throughout the city of Toledo at many religious events. Bessie's anointing was with her at all times that she felt compelled. She will be remembered for her encouraging words and strength that she shared with her family and friends.

In addition to her parents, Bessie was also preceded in death by her loving husband, Elijah and sons, Gustarivus "Recardo" K. Riley and Charles T. "Sonny" Riley; brothers, Jack Colbert, Sr. and Harold Colbert, Sr.; sisters, Callie Elam, Veronica Webb, Gussie Lee Robinson and Maude Boyd. Left to cherish her memory are her children, Jacqueline Dewberry, La Donna Riley, Gwendolyn Riley and VeEster "Baby Dear" Riley-Brooks; brother, Edward (Dorothy) Colbert, Sr., Sisters, Vera (Willie) Garmon, Pearl Furr, Bernice Motley and Betty Jean Darrington; Grandchildren, Tarina E. (Eddie) Parker, Tammi R. Porter, Walter DeLane Riley, La Donna Lee Riley Eli-Jah Riley and a group of grandchildren from Memphis Tennessee; great-grandchildren, Dylanna D. Riley, W.C. McFadden, Zachary McFadden, Taylor McFadden, Stacy Porter and several from Memphis Tennessee; special angel, Tyler McFadden, Micheal McFadden, Mikayla McFadden and special God Sons, William Tyrone Watkins and Tyler Jennings Seldon, III ; many nieces and nephews.


The family will receive guests on Friday, October 11, 2013 from 2-6:00 p.m. at Newcomer Funeral Home, 4752 Heatherdowns Blvd. (419-381-1900). The family will receive guests on Saturday, October 12, 2013 from 10-11:00 a.m. at Cornerstone , 1520 S Reynolds Rd Maumee. Pastor David Banks officiating. Interment will follow in Historic Woodlawn Cemetery.

The family would like to specially thank the hospices nurses; Lake Park nurses and staff and especially Barbara from the 3rd floor who helped care for Bessie, the family truly appreciates your love and kindness.