Sylvia Helen Riley

Sylvia Helen Riley, age 92, a little over a month from her 93rd birthday, passed away on Sunday night at 10PM, January 11th. Born on February 23rd, 1933 in Baltimore Maryland, Sylvia was a beloved Wife, Mother, Grandmother and wonderful friend to all who knew her. She was revered for her graciousness, kindness, compassion, professionalism and love for her family.

Sylvia is survived by her husband, James Berryman Riley Jr.; her sons, James Berryman Riley III (and wife, Tina Arkoumanis-Riley) and Kevin Bradley Riley (and spouse, Becky Kedzierski); and her grandsons, James Berryman Riley IV (and wife, Zoe Riley), Steven Alexander Riley, Kennedy Bryce Riley, Matthew Tyler Riley, and Kyle Bradley Riley. Sylvia was the loving mother of the late Kenneth Brian Riley and cherished daughter of the late James and Belle Steinour.

Sylvia had a remarkable professional career, however, her deepest joy, devotion to and purpose in life was her family. She had immense pride and happiness over the accomplishments of all of her sons and grandsons.

Sylvia graduated from Western High School in 1950 and in 1952, she earned an AA Degree from Baltimore City College. She was so very happy being a homemaker, she loved to cook, decorate and renovate the house, shop for clothes for the boys and take care of her family and she loved her three boys so dearly.

In 1974 Sylvia launched her career working as a medical records professional utilizing her degree. She was so respected and admired at work, she derived the confidence to apply for and then be hired as Director, Medical Records at Kernan Hospital in Baltimore. In addition, for 2 years later in her career, she became the President of “The Maryland Chapter of the National Association of Medical Records Directors”. She eventually retired in 2000 from Kernan and became a consultant in medical records for years at various healthcare institutions in Maryland.

All through her exceptional career, her devotion to her family never missed a single beat, wonderful dinners on Sundays and every night, always being the spirited life of the party during the holidays all year round. She was a high spirited, strong, affectionate, loving and caring person and everyone who knew her loved her dearly, especially her family.

Visitation will be held at Witzke Funeral Homes Inc., located at 5555 Twin Knolls Road, Columbia, MD, 21045, on Thursday, January 22, 2026, from 2:00 pm to 4:00 pm and from 6:00 pm to 8:00 pm.

The funeral service is scheduled for Friday, January 23, 2026, at 11:00 am, also at Witzke Funeral Homes Inc.

The committal service will follow at Woodlawn Cemetery & Chapel, Woodlawn Cemetery, Baltimore, MD, 21207, at 12:30 pm.