Connie L. Riley, 79, went home to be with the Lord on Tuesday, November 20, 2018.

Connie was born May 5, 1939, in Akron, Ohio to the late Chappie Murphy and Leola (Jackson) Trail.  She attended the Akron Public School System.  She married Otis Riley and to this union were 10 children.  She worked various jobs such as Chrysler Canteen, Barnhills, Stow Glen Cherry  Creek Assisted Living and later became an entrepreneur, founding the Sunnybrook Care Center Inc. where she affectionately took care of the homeless by providing them a place to live. She last worked as an Independent Provider for the State of Ohio until her health began to fail.

Connie was a devoted wife, mother, grandmother.  She loved and cherished her children, she adored her grandkids and great-grandkids making sure their Christmas was full of love, food and plenty of gifts.  She opened her door to many youth in their time of need or trouble.

She was an ordained minister and a  lifetime member of Hill’s Temple First Born Church of the Living God, Inc.  She was the Founder and Pastor of Greater Evangelist Temple FBC, where she pastored for 17 years. Her mission in life was to teach about the goodness of Jesus Christ and for all to live a God-fearing lifestyle. She was well-known for her homemade “Sweet Potato Pies” which she made for her friends and loved ones during holidays and special occasions.

She worked vigorously in the First Born Church working in the youth department for over 30 years, she was the Diocese Youth President and her love for the Youth was unconditional. She was very passionate for the youth and always contributing to ensure that the needs were met.

Connie was proceeded in death by parents Chappie Murphy and Leola Trail, husband Otis Riley; sons, Curtis, Dean and Ellery Riley; daughter Sandra Riley-Barnett, brother Chappie Murphy Jr, Willie Murphy and Johnnie Simpkins.

To cherish her memories, Connie leaves her sons Burnett Riley, Tracy (Monica) Riley all of Akron, daughters; Ceceilia Boykin of Phoenix, AZ, Octavia (Reginald) McKenzie, Tyesha (Delbert Jr) Barnett, Tameka (Devon) Logan, all of Akron, OH; Brother Ocie Murphy, Paul (Vernetta) Murphy, Lawrence (Loretta) Murphy, and Thomas Simpkins; sister Corla (Kevin) Merritt,  brother -in- laws, Leslie Riley, Calvin Riley; sister -in laws  Katie Mapp, Martha Riley, Joyce Brown,  34 grandchildren, 26 great-grandchildren and 2 great-great-grandchildren. Godchildren: LaTonya Green, Amy Jackson-Ford and Draion Cession. She also leaves spiritual life-long sisters/brothers; Deaconess Donna Hill, Evangelist Katie Ellis, Pastor Ella Ingram, Deaconess Joyce Thompson, Mother Golina Jackson, Pearle Clark, Minister Bessie Kent, Minister Peggy Holmes, Bishop Grady Walker, Evangelist Georgia Tate/Family,  Alfreda Jennings, Mother Bernice Alderman, Bishop Vester Morrison, Pastor Rodney & Min. Crystal Bowden, Deacon Donnie Hannah, Deacon James Register, Deacon Anthony and Gloria Jackson, Deacon Kennard Woods, Deacon C. Howard and many, many more. Special cousin/son Van Jones, faithful member/daughter-in-law Nerieda Riley and a host of nieces, nephews, cousins, other relatives, and friends.