Esther Jeanne Riley

Esther “Jeanne” Riley, 91, of Stockton, California, peacefully entered eternal rest on February 4, 2026. Born on September 21, 1934, in Chicago, Illinois, to Thomas and Ella Cartwright. Jeanne lived a life defined by faith, strength, service, and love.

Growing up in Oakland, CA, she graduated from Castlemont High School in 1952.

Jeanne built a remarkable career as a Transportation and Logistics Manager for the Department of Defense, where she faithfully served for 35 years. She was respected for her integrity, leadership, and dedication, leaving a lasting impact on all who worked alongside her.

A woman of deep and abiding faith, Jeanne adored her church home at Progressive Church and loved her church family dearly. Mother Riley was a member of the Mother’s Ministry, Welcome Committee, Small Group Ministry, and The Primetimers. She was a faithful and dedicated member of Bible Study Fellowship (BSF), drawing strength and joy from God’s Word throughout her life. Her faith guided her steps and sustained her through every season.

Jeanne will be remembered for her beautiful smile that could light up any room, her gentle spirit, and the warmth she extended to everyone she met. She lived her life with grace, compassion, and unwavering love for others.

Though she will be deeply missed, her family rejoices in the promise of eternal life, comforted by the assurance that she now rests peacefully in the presence of the Lord.

She was preceded in death by her parents, Thomas and Ella Cartwright, devoted husband, Edward, with whom she shared many cherished years of marriage, her brother Jon Cartwright, and her nephew Roderick Cartwright.

Her greatest joy, however, was her family. She leaves to treasure her memory her children: Karen Cheadle of Stockton, CA; Darryl Parker (Lynette) San Jose, CA; and Jeanne Hendrix (Stanley) Johns Creek, GA. She was a proud and loving grandmother to Evaughn “Nikki” McDonald (Ryan)Buford, GA, Joseph Cheadle, Stockton, CA, Angelic Herndon (Cedric) Denver, NC, Erin Jackson (Amiyr) Los Angeles, CA, Erica Parker, Houston, TX, and Stanley Hendrix Jr, Buford, GA., and a delighted great-grandmother to Jayden McDonald, Madyson McDonald, and Parker Jackson. Loving Aunt to Troy Cartwright (Cynthia), Vallejo, CA, Kyle Cartwright (Diane) Michigan, and her sister-in-law, Renee Cartwright, and her devoted Aunt Juanita Sims of Utica, NY.

Jeanne also held dear friendships that lasted a lifetime, including special friends Addie Smith, Will and Cynthia Jackson, Ernestine Franklin Martin, and lifelong friends Gloria Pleasants, and Helen Gage.

“Well done, good and faithful servant.” — Matthew 25:23

A visitation will be held at Frisbie-Warren & Carroll Mortuary, located at 809 North California, Stockton, CA 95202, on February 17, 2026, from 3:00 pm to 6:00 pm.

The funeral service will take place at Progressive Community Church, located at 2820 S B St, Stockton, CA 95206, on February 18, 2026, beginning at 11:00 am.