Annie Margaret Riley

On Jul 25, 2025, Margaret peacefully transitioned from Earth to Glory, in the loving arms of her daughter, Sharon Riley. Annie Margaret Riley was born July 12, 1944 in Brewton, Alabama to Charlie Lee and Madalene Johnson.

Before moving to Albion, MI, Margaret married Jesse Riley and to this union one daughter was born. Margaret moved to Albion, in 1966 and in 1967 she gave birth to twin daughters, Sharon and Karen Riley.

Margaret attended school in Brewton, Alabama and received her High School Diploma from Booker T. Washington High School. Margaret was employed by Hayes Albion, Albion Community Hospital and Foote Hospital, where she worked until she retired. After her retirement, Margaret found her “true calling” with the Community Action Agency. Through this agency, she served in the Foster Grandparent Program. Through this program, Margaret made a lasting impact on the lives of countless children, offering love, guidance, and the steady presence of a caring grandmother. She also made an unforgettable impact on the staff members.

Margaret accepted Christ at an early age and joined her family church, Second Saints Siloam Missionary Baptist Church in Brewton, Alabama. After moving to Albion, Margaret joined Bethel Baptist church, where she served faithfully for many years. She was a member of the choir, served as an usher and worked diligently on the Kitchen Committee. She loved the pastor and cherished the entire church family. Although it was difficult to leave the church she loved so dearly, Margaret later joined Macedonia Baptist Church to be closer to her daughter and grandson. She found Macedonia to be another wonderful place of worship. At Macedonia she continued her Christian journey, greeting members with a smile, serving on the Usher Board, and participating in Bible Study. She often spoke about Pastor McKenzie, the First Lady and the entire 1010 Chauncey Street family. Her legacy of love, service, and faithfulness will live on in the lives of those she touched.

Margaret enjoyed being surrounded by her family, whom she loved dearly. Margaret never met a stranger. In fact, she was a “social butterfly”. She enjoyed bowling, listening to music, cooking, and baking her delicious Pineapple Upside Down Cake!

Margaret was preceded in death by two daughters, Alfreda Riley and Karen Riley; grandson, Anthony “Loc” Lewis; parents, Charlie Lee and Madalene Johnson; brothers, James Johnson, Charlie Lee Johnson Jr., and Clanford Johnson; sisters, Zella J. Atwood and Deborah Ann Dirden.

She leaves to cherish her memories, daughter Sharon Riley, Albion, MI; grandson, Xavion Dean, Albion, MI; great-granddaughter, Serenity Lewis, Jackson, MI; goddaughter/niece, Regina (Lewis) Mastin, Huntsville, AL; brothers, Horace (Willia Jean) Johnson, Albion, MI, and Robert Johnson, Birmingham, AL; sisters, Doris Johnson, Birmingham, AL, and Patricia Johnson, Brewton, AL; sister-in-law, Earlene Johnson; and a host of nieces, nephews, cousins, and friends.

A family hour for Ms. Riley Will be on Saturday, August 2, 2025 from 11AM until the time of her Home Going Celebration at 12PM at Bethel Baptist Church, 523 Washington St. Albion, MI with Pastor Bobby McKenzie officiating. She will then be laid to rest in Albion Memory Gardens. Please feel encourage to leave messages of condolence, memories or photos with her family here in her online guest book.