Riley Hardin Shirley

Riley was a bright light, streaking across the sky, burning out far too soon. She loved her family, and her puppy Draco. She was a precious soul with a huge heart, who always wanted to take care of others. Riley was happiest when she was able to provide happiness to someone else. She faced more challenges on a daily basis than many do in a full life-time, and she never quit. Riley was born a fighter from day one.

Riley graduated from Mt. Juliet High School (TN) where she was a member of the school choir. She was individually selected to participate in state choir competition, and continued to love singing. Riley was also a very talented ice skater, skating since childhood, competing in numerous figure skating competitions throughout the eastern United States, and even coaching skating for a time. She was a member of the Scott Hamilton Skating Academy. As one of her skating coaches said, "Riley always led with an open and positive heart". This is how she approached life!

Riley is survived by her mother, Harriet Jennings Shirley; her father, Wesley Todd Shirley, her siblings and their children: Matthew C. Meacham (spouse Jennifer and daughter Maggie), Savannah Kate Link (spouse Bobby, daughter Ellie, and sons I.V. and Wesley), her twin Finnigan C. Shirley, and Lilah Shirley, as well as her loving Uncle Horace Jennings (spouse Ann), Aunt Marsha Leone, Aunt Rhonda Greenberg (spouse Andy), and numerous cousins, extended family, and friends. She is preceded in death by her grandparents Robert and Betty Jennings, Retha Yown Tison and Billy Shirley, and uncle Robert Jennings, Jr.

In lieu of flowers, the family requests donations be sent in her memory to the National Education Alliance for Borderline Personality Disorder (NEABPD) www.borderlinepersonalitydisorder.org, or the Nashville Humane Association www.nashvillehumane.org, or other favorite animal rescue organization.

Riley's Celebration of Life will be held on Saturday, December 6, at Hermitage Funeral Home & Memorial Gardens, 535 Shute Lane, Old Hickory TN 37138. Visitation with the family will be between 12 and 2pm, with a service at 2pm.