Irene Leonard Riley

Irene Leonard Riley February 5, 1921 – May 5, 2019 Irene Leonard Riley, 98 of Wilson passed away Sunday.  Irene was born into a large farming family in rural Nash County, she learned to be self-reliant at an early age and learned to love the land and people all around her.  Many of her skills were self-taught and she never stopped learning new ones.  After graduating from UNC as a Med Tech, she moved to Wilson and worked at Carolina General Hospital where she met her future husband, John Riley.  They married in 1943.  Irene joined the First Christian Church where she became an active member.  During her years in Wilson she was a member of Church Circle, the Wilson Women’s Club, volunteered for Hope Station, drove for Meals on Wheels and was available whenever help was needed for friends and family.  In her ninety-eight years she constantly created beauty, becoming accomplished at everything she pursued including cultivating anything, sewing, tailoring or knitting, cooking, entertaining, decorating, bridge and an always-ready sense of humor.  She created such beauty to share with all and she taught us all that we could do or accomplish any task with an open mind, heart, and a lot of faith.  Irene, by example, encouraged us to never stop learning. Her special friends, the Hussies met each week to share stories and laughter.  Staying in touch with friends and family was the most important to her. She is survived by her daughter, Johanna; her son, Jack and many nieces, nephews and friends all of whom will miss the special part of herself she shared with each. In lieu of flowers the family has requested memorials in Irene\'s memory to Wilson County Public Libary, 249 Nash Street W, Wilson, North Carolina 27893 or Community Home Care & Hospice of Wilson, 2841 Daisy Lane N, Suite E, Wilson, North Carolina 27896. A graveside service will be conducted at 11 a.m. Saturday, July 13, 2019 in Maplewood Cemetery, Wilson.  The family will receive friends immediately following at the home of Susan Oakley. Condolences may be directed to Joyner’s Funeral Home at www.joyners.net.