Mother Retinella "Mama" Riley

At the age of twenty –three, she married Wilfred Riley, a contractor with whom she enjoyed 30 years of marriage before he passed away. They had five beautiful children Alvin (deceased at 32 years old), Carmen, Michael, Lurline, Marjorie, Yvonne (deceased at 5 years old).

Retinella was a humble, God-fearing seamstress, baptized at twenty-three years old at Bible Way Gospel Hall, Kingston 11. Retinella was one of the foundational members of Power of Faith Ministries International, Inc. She was a devout member of Gethsemane Church of God in Christ. She served the Lord whole-heartedly with dedication, and loved her family unconditionally. Retinella was a best friend, mother, grandmother, sister, aunt, church mother, great grandmother. She was a mother figure to the ones who needed her to be, she was a person of great worth. Retinella’s outlook undoubtedly came from her upbringing in a large family where each person was taught to love and value each other. She instilled that same outlook in every life she touched. She opened her arms and home to anyone she encountered, even with limited resources she still provided for many without complaint or expecting anything in return. Retinella embraced her role as the matriarch of her family.

With faith she moved mountains, broke chains, prayed for the sick, and tore through spiritual strongholds.

Retinella carried her strength with grace, even throughout her illness her faith and love for God never wavered. She passed away peacefully, under the anointing of the Holy Spirit and surrounded by the family she loved.

She leaves to cherish her memory children Carmen Chang-Stone, Michael Riley, Lurline Robinson (Edward), Marjorie Lewis (Horace), loving sister Wilretia Sinclair, 10 grandchildren, 13 great grandchildren, and a host of nieces, nephews, and a vast extended family.