Franchell M. Riley was born September 13, 1943, to William A. and Bernice E. Clark in Jonesboro, Arkansas. She transitioned peacefully into the presence of the Lord on March 29, 2026.

Franchell graduated from St. Mary’s Catholic High School, Akron, Ohio, in 1960. She began working for General Tire Rubber Company as a secretary, where she met her husband. Franchell married Lee M. Riley on September 28, 1963. From this union, two children were born, Brian A. Riley and Leann M. Riley.

Education was extremely important to her parents. Franchell graduated from the University of Akron, Magna Cum Laude. She earned an Associate of Science degree in Technical Education, a Bachelor of Science degree in Education and a Master of Science degree in Technical Education. Additionally, she held professional licenses in Vocational Education, Homemaking and Consumer Education, High School Home Economics and School Counseling.

Franchell worked at Akron Public Schools, namely Thornton Junior High School where she found a love for education and teaching. She also worked for Ohio State Cooperative Extension services of Summit County. There she spearheaded a braille cookbook for blind homemakers in Summit County. She wrote many articles for the Ohio State Extension Service newsletter as well.

During that time, Franchell encouraged the neighborhood kids to join a 4H group, where they put together aquariums, healthy recipes, learned bike safety and did many more educational projects.

Continuing her career with Kent City Schools, Franchell served as a guidance counselor and the guidance department chairperson. Franchell and another educator started a program called “Kids in the Kitchen”, which promoted passion for food as they taught nutrition and cooking skills. She also introduced the “Davey Jumpers”, a jump rope program that promoted exercise and self-esteem.

Franchell enjoyed gardening and was very proud of the local awards she received almost every year for her beautiful yard. She enjoyed sewing, quilting, traveling, and cooking, but even more so, she loved to host and spend time with her family and friends.

Throughout her life, Franchell generously gave her time and talents. She volunteered at Red Cross and worked for Whirlpool, demonstrating how to cook a certain food and promoting

recipes. She was a member of Arlington Church of God and involved with usher board for over 30 years. She participated in the Women in Motion group, various prayer groups, and she enjoyed the Curry’s Sunday school class.

Throughout her life, Franchell had the gift of giving and generously gave to many charities, locally, nationally, and internationally. She gave to the local food bank and to One-of-a-Kind pet store. Her giving spirit moved her to support families in villages of West Africa. Demonstrating the love and compassion of God, she sponsored children through school in West Africa.

Franchell Riley was preceded in death by her father, William A. Clark, mother, Bernice Sanders Clark, sister Margaret Ann Clark, her late husband, Lee Maxon Riley, and granddaughter, Sara Riley.

Franchell’s life and legacy will continue through her children: Brian Armell (Kristin) Riley and Leann M. Riley. She also leaves behind four grandchildren: A. Aaron Riley, Kiersten Knight, Amanda Riley, William Riley, one great-grandchild: Alanah Riley, special cousins: the Preer family; special niece: Dr. Brenda Marina-Lewis, and a host of relatives and friends.

Well done, thy good and faithful servant!