Ms. Lorene Riley

 Lorene Riley, a blessed centurion, 103, departed this life on May 11th, 2023, at the University Health Lakewood Care Center, to awaken in heaven with her Lord and Savior. Lorene was born on November 12, 1919 in Okmulgee, Oklahoma to the late James Nelson and Julia Barnett. Lorene met the love of her life, Foster Glenn Riley Sr. Lorene married Foster Glenn Riley in 1942. Lorene and Foster Riley were married until he transitioned on to glory in 1958, she never remarried. To this union James Riley and Foster Glenn Riley Jr. were born.  Lorene lost her beloved, lifelong friend, travel mate,  very loving and supportive daughter, Frances Chapman, on April 8th, 2023.

Lorene was educated in the West Bottoms in the Kansas City, Kansas School District. Lorene loved to share her stories of living in the West Bottoms. Lorene accepted Christ at an early age. Lorene was a dedicated member of Zion Grove Missionary Baptist Church until her health would not allow her to attend.

 Lorene worked diligently to provide for her family. Lorene worked for several years at Superior Laundry, Muehlebach Hotel and the Wall Tower building in downtown Kansas City, MO.  Lorene expressed great pleasure in working as a domestic worker. Lorene was loved by the people she worked for and was often given gifts, vacations, and clothes, with the tags still on them, from the Country Club Plaza. Lorene would proudly forward the new clothes to her grandchildren.

Lorene was a people person, loved meeting people and sharing life’s adventures. Lorene wore many hats in life and was known by many names; Nonie, Sally Gal, Rena, grandmother, great grandmother and mother dear.  Lorene took great pride in providing a home for her children and family. The front porch of her home was like a living room and was a very popular gathering place for family and friends. Lorene enjoyed having a garden and preparing full course meals, often cooking with vegetables from her garden.  Lorene loved to travel and often marveled at the success she was enjoying traveling to over 34 states and islands throughout her journey. Lorene would often say when she returned from a vacation she packed a suitcase for her next vacation. Lorene would say, “when they say G, I would say O, lets GO”.

Lorene was preceded in death by her parents James Nelson and Julia Barnett, her husband Foster Glenn Riley Sr., son Foster Glenn Riley Jr. and daughter Frances Chapman, Grandson Rujum Mahdee aka Lonnie Cobb Jr. She leaves to cherish her memory one son James E. Riley (Maryetta) of Kansas City, MO, granddaughters L’Tanya Renee Hairston, Michelle Witherspoon, Deirdre Thomas, Shawndell Chapman-Doolin (David), Erica Riley-Miller, Dallas, TX, grandsons Maurice Handson, Reginald Chapman, Eric “Ricky Chapman, Randall Chapman, Tyrone Riley, Dallas, TX, Foster Riley, III. Lorene also leaves to cherish her memory 96 great grandchildren and great-great grandchildren. Her nephews, nieces and a host of family and friends.    

Funeral Service will be held Saturday, May 20, 2023, 11am at the Watkins Heritage Chapel. Interment Forest Hill Cemetery. Visitation will be from 9am-11am at the chapel. Service conducted by Lawrence A. Jones & Sons Funeral Chapel. Condolences may be shared on our website.

To send flowers to the family or plant a tree in memory of Ms. Lorene Riley, please visit our floral store.