Born in Athens, Greece, Nina carried with her a deep love for her homeland, its traditions, and its culture throughout her life. She was a woman of grace, strength, and warmth - someone who strove to make others feel welcome and cared for in her presence.
Nina met and married the love of her life, Herbert “Sonny” Riley, a USAF Airman from rural Mississippi. Together, they built a life defined by devotion, adventure, and resilience, traveling through many national and international military base assignments before ultimately settling in Port Lavaca, Texas, the place Nina would proudly call home. Along the way, Nina came to deeply love and embrace the United States, the opportunities it provided, and the freedom it represented. She became a proud American citizen, a milestone she held close to her heart, while always honoring the Greek heritage that shaped who she was.
A loving mother, an adoring grandmother, and a loyal friend to many, Nina’s life was filled with creativity and connection. She was known among her friends in the Art Guild and friends in her real estate community for her kindness, her encouraging spirit, and her genuine care for others. Nina had a special gift for making people feel like family.
Nina loved painting and crafting, and she poured her heart into every piece she created. She was also a wonderful cook, especially of traditional Greek dishes, and shared her food as one of her greatest expressions of love. Many were blessed to experience her cooking not only at home, but also through the small restaurant she owned and operated with Sonny in northwest Houston, where her hospitality and Greek flavors made lasting memories for so many.
Above all else, Nina cherished her family. She will be remembered for her gentle heart, her unwavering love, her beautiful smile, her love of Greek music and the way she brought people together through laughter, faith, food, and unconditional care.
Nina is survived by her son, John Riley; her daughter, Stella Riley Pinson; her daughter-in-law, Wendy Riley; and her treasured grandchildren, Capt. Spencer Riley, Nicholas Riley, and Kat Pinson, along with her sisters, Evangelia Ioannou and Eleni Brown.
Nina’s love will live on in the hearts of all who knew her, and her legacy will continue through the family and friends she held so dear, by whom she will be deeply and forever missed.
In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to the Calhoun County Senior Citizens Association, whose support, friendship, and meals brought great comfort to Nina in her later years.
Checks may be made payable to The Heritage Center and mailed to
CCSCA, Inc., PO Box 128, Port Lavaca, TX 77979.
