Obituary for Gayle Lewis Riley
Gayle Lewis Riley, age 74, of Warsaw passed away on March 28, 2023 with her son Donnie and partner William by her side. Gayle was born in Lottsburg, Virginia to the late Russell Hildred "Hooster" Lewis and the late Marie Willy Hinson Lewis. She was the loving mother of Donald J. Riley, II and the devoted partner of William King. Gayle was a member of Coan Baptist Church and was retired from her position as secretary at the Chamber of Commerce.
Gayle attended the Smithdeal Massey Business School and enjoyed her secretarial work. She also enjoyed working as a substitute teacher at Northumberland County Public Schools. She loved children and animals. She doted on the numerous pets she had over the years, many of them rescued. Gayle loved music and dancing and would decorate for all holidays. She had fun stopping to peruse the treasures at yard sales and flea markets. Gayle will be most remembered for her kind spirit and the generosity she displayed toward those in need. She was a wonderful mother, friend and partner and we will miss her terribly.
Left to cherish Gayle’s memory are her beloved son Donnie; her partner of 28 years, William; her niece and nephew Ted Lewis and Casey Lewis and their families; her aunt Barbara Brown; her cousin Jane Mothershead (Billy), who was like a sister to her; and her dear cousins Jeffrey Hinson and Jennifer Wilkins (Raymond). Gayle was predeceased by her parents and her brother Ted Ronald "Ronnie" Lewis. The family would like to thank the nurses and staff at Northern Neck Riverside Hospice, as well as the nurses at VCU Tappahannock Hospital. Their kindness during Gayle’s illness made such a difficult time a bit brighter.
A Celebration of Life for Gayle will be held at 2:00 p.m. on Monday, April 10, 2023, at the Welch Marks Funeral Home. The family will receive friends one hour prior to the service at the funeral home. In lieu of flowers the family would love donations in Gayle’s memory to the Richmond County Animal Shelter at P.O. Box 1371, Warsaw, VA 22572 to honor her deep love of animals.
Gayle attended the Smithdeal Massey Business School and enjoyed her secretarial work. She also enjoyed working as a substitute teacher at Northumberland County Public Schools. She loved children and animals. She doted on the numerous pets she had over the years, many of them rescued. Gayle loved music and dancing and would decorate for all holidays. She had fun stopping to peruse the treasures at yard sales and flea markets. Gayle will be most remembered for her kind spirit and the generosity she displayed toward those in need. She was a wonderful mother, friend and partner and we will miss her terribly.
Left to cherish Gayle’s memory are her beloved son Donnie; her partner of 28 years, William; her niece and nephew Ted Lewis and Casey Lewis and their families; her aunt Barbara Brown; her cousin Jane Mothershead (Billy), who was like a sister to her; and her dear cousins Jeffrey Hinson and Jennifer Wilkins (Raymond). Gayle was predeceased by her parents and her brother Ted Ronald "Ronnie" Lewis. The family would like to thank the nurses and staff at Northern Neck Riverside Hospice, as well as the nurses at VCU Tappahannock Hospital. Their kindness during Gayle’s illness made such a difficult time a bit brighter.
A Celebration of Life for Gayle will be held at 2:00 p.m. on Monday, April 10, 2023, at the Welch Marks Funeral Home. The family will receive friends one hour prior to the service at the funeral home. In lieu of flowers the family would love donations in Gayle’s memory to the Richmond County Animal Shelter at P.O. Box 1371, Warsaw, VA 22572 to honor her deep love of animals.