Charlotte W. Riley

Charlotte W. Riley, 72, of Newark, MD, died Friday, March 1, 2013, at her home surrounded by her loving family. She was born September 23, 1940 in Wilmington, DE, a daughter of the late David and Lillian West Williams. At a young age she was adopted and raised by her grandparents, George Horace West and Ida Mae West. Charlotte graduated from Yeadon High School in Yeadon, PA with the class of 1958. She was a talented and creative artist, even at a young age, and earned an art scholarship with the Philadelphia Art Institute after graduation but chose to start and raise her family instead. She worked in bookkeeping and office management for Tri-State Oil before working 20 years with Home Bank in Newark. She also worked several years in the office for GrandKart and Pier Rides in Ocean City. She was a very active member of Berlin First Baptist Church where she served on the finance committee and various other committees and hosted a home bible study for many years. Her true passion at the church was supporting the food pantry ministry and writing the monthly article, “Cozy Corner” for the Beacon, which is the church’s newsletter. As a talented writer and songwriter, she wrote several songs that are still sung today at Berlin First Baptist. For several years she was a member of Delmarva Evangelistic Church as well. She got a lot of joy from serving others and was the founder and leader of the Newark Seagulls 4H club and a volunteer for Coastal Hospice for several years. She was relentless in sending cards and letters and her family and friends enjoyed her inspirational words of wisdom and love. She is survived by 5 children, Robert W. Riley, Jr. (Tisha) of Newark, James L. Riley (Kimberly) of Newark, Debra Riley-Davila (Diego) of Fountain, NC, Shirley Riley of Newark and Thomas D. Riley of Wauchula, Florida; 14 grandchildren; 10 great grandchildren; a sister, Lois Woodland (Smitty) of East New Market; 2 brothers, David Williams (Mary Ann) of Clarksville, Virginia and Robert West (Barbara) of Willards; a half-brother, Steven Williams (Cheryl) of Gilbert, AZ; and a half-sister, Marie Fisher (Ronald) of Florida. She is also survived by several nieces and nephews. In addition to her parents and her grandparents who raised her, she was preceded in death by her husband, Robert W. Riley, Sr. who passed in 1996; 2 grandchildren; and one great grandchild. A funeral service will be held on Tuesday, March 5, 2013 at 11:00 a.m. at Berlin First Baptist Church, 613 William Street, Berlin, MD, where family and friends may call from 10:00 to 11:00. Pastors Alton Brininger and Harry Weir will officiate. Interment will follow at Bowen United Methodist Church Cemetery in Newark. Memorial contributions may be made in her memory to Berlin First Baptist Church Food Pantry, 613 William Street, Berlin, MD 21811. Arrangements are being handled by Short Funeral Home of Delmar. To send online condolences to the family, please visit www.shortfh.com.

Charlotte W. Riley

September 23, 1940 - March 1, 2013