Essie Pearl Riley

Essie Pearl Riley “Mama”, was called home by God on August 13, 2021 at the age of 71. She was born on February 24, 1950 in Quitman, Georgia.

Mama was the fourth of 5 children to the late Idamae Dixon and Albert Riley Sr. Her siblings are Mildred McLauren, Albert Riley Jr., Myrtice Wilson, and Jimmie Riley.

She is preceded in death by her siblings Mildred McLauren, Albert Riley Jr., and Jimmie Riley, along with her two grandsons Larenz Tyrone Joell O’garro and Joell Jozy Burton.

Although Essie did not further her education, beyond the 10th grade, she still did not let that determine how far she was willing to go, in order to be a helping hand to her loved ones and neighborhood. Essie was employed with Rutgers University (New Brunswick) Dining Services, where she worked for 44 years upon retirement in the year of 2013.

To her family she was known as “Mama” , but to friends and neighbors she was “Essie” or “Ms.Riley” 

Essie enjoyed playing cards, playing Bingo and frequently going to the casino. She also loved cooking for the family and those in her community. Mama was known for her renown sweet potato pies that will forever be missed along with her. Not only was she a mom, a grandmother, a great-grandmother and a friend, but she was a spunky, old-skool lady that took no nonsense. Dancing and listening to her oldies, but goodies really put her in a happy space. Last, but far from least, she adored her Black & White westerns and Soaps.

Essie Pearl Riley is survived by one of her siblings, who is Myrtice Wilson. Her children Latherio Griffin, Tina Riley-May (Tommy), & Maria Griffin (John), grandchildren LaToya Riley, Jsavior Riley, Vashti Davila-Griffin, Imari Riley, Najah Davila-Griffin, Jeremiah Griffin & great grands Jayon, Juwel, Kaiden, Zaire, Trinity, and Ila-Jozy.

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