Margaret Niemann Riley

Margaret Riley, formerly of Prairieville, died at her home in Albany, Ga., March 4, 2012. She is survived by her husband of 62 years, the Rev. James B. Riley; son, James B. Riley Jr. and daughter-in-law, Glendra Riley of Austin, Texas; daughters, Margaret Ruth Riley, of Chesapeake, Va., and Anne Riley Nettles and son-in-law Jimmie Nettles, of Albany, Ga.; granddaughters, Sarah Ruth Parten and husband Ben Parten, of Valdosta, Ga., and Casey Noel Nettles, of Albany, Ga.; a sister, Evelyn Smith, of Frankfort, Ky.; and numerous nieces and nephews. She was preceded in death by her parents, E. C. and Sabra Niemann; brother, Maurice Niemann; and sister, Eulee Ball. Born Dec. 9, 1925, in Shelbyville, Ky., she graduated as salutatorian from London High School in 1943 and a year later from Bryant Stratton Business College in Louisville, Ky. A secretary for many years at Highland Baptist Church in Louisville, Ky., she was singing in the choir when her future husband spotted her and got a friend to introduce them. She loved singing in the choir, praising the Lord, teaching in Sunday school and Training Union and taking care of her family. Her family calls her their "Master Chef" who loved to cook, bake and garden. A memorial service celebrating her life will take place at 10 a.m. Thursday, March 8, at Broadmoor Baptist Church. Visitation will be from 5 p.m. to 8 p.m. Wednesday, March 7, at Rabenhorst Funeral Home East, 11000 Florida Blvd. The family wishes to express their deep gratitude to the Hospice of Southwest Georgia staff, and especially staff nurses, Linda Giggey, RN, and Teresa Stewart, RN, and personal sitters, Pam Wiggs, Carol Manrinquez, Brenda Ingram, Katie Schmidt, Gayla Chester and Shirley Washington. The family also wishes to thank the people of Broadmoor Baptist Church of Baton Rouge and First Baptist Church of Albany, Ga., for their ministry to the Riley family during the past two years. For those wishing to make a monetary donation, her husband requests it be made to Broadmoor Baptist Church, 9755 Goodwood Blvd., Baton Rouge LA 70815.