Obituary of Grettell Riley

Grettell (Jennings) Riley was born June 18, 1925 to Alfreda Jennings and Albert Lyburn in Philadelphia, PA.  From that union she was the second of three children. Her older brother Albert and younger sister Hester Jennings both took residence with our Lord before her transition. Grettell received her formal education through the Philadelphia School District. While in school she picked up a knack for sewing & as a proud graduate of West Philadelphia High School she attended a learning program that taught her advanced sewing skills.  Upon completion of this program, Grettell met and married Eugene Riley  (deceased). From this marriage three children were conceived, Dolores, Philip and Deena (deceased). Grettell landed a government job at the Philadelphia Naval Shipyard and then moved on to a Federal position at the Philadelphia Quartermaster Depot (DSCP) where she sewed military uniforms for the U.S. Armed Forces until she retired in 1983.  While at Quartermasters she attended evening sewing classes at Edward W. Bok Technical High School where she enhanced her sewing talents as a seamstress.  Grettell loved music, dancing and hanging out with her friends and she was known for her sly smirks & infectious laugh.  She was a proud member of the Faternal Order of Elks #448 where she served as Daughter Ruler for two consecutive terms. She loved to travel and often visited various casinos for entertainment.  After retirement Grettell worked part-time as a kitchen helper at both McCallisters Kitchens & Pinn Memorial Baptist Church in Wynnefield, PA.  Grettell was also a devoted AVON representative who went  above & beyond to service her customers, winning several awards while doing so. Grettell was strong willed & a fighter who didn't bite her tongue for anyone. If there was something she wanted to say, there was no stopping her.  As her sunset inched closer she fought long and hard until her strength could no longer sustain her and  then she left, peacefully & quietly to join her youngest daughter Deena James & Grand daughter/bbf Shawn Michele Riley who preceeded her in death. Grettell leaves behind a daughter Dolores Thomas, son Philip E. Riley, grand children Reginald (Rose), Michael, Troy, Stacy, Charlene, Russell (Tiffany), Diane, Robert, Philip Jr., Baasima (Shanika), nephews Alfredo (Sondra) and Curtis. An additional host of nieces, nephews, great grands, great-great grands and a devoted best friend Bernether Gallman. She will be missed by all who knew and loved her.                    Sorrowfully submitted                              The Family