Helen R Riley

OBITUARY

AUGUST 18, 2026

On June 27, 1927, the world was blessed with the birth of Helen Rebecca Gwynn in Oxon Hill, Maryland. Helen was the daughter of the late Josephine Mary Gwynn and the late John Sidney Gwynn, and she was delivered by her midwife grandmother, Harriett Clark. The third of four children, she was preceded in death by her parents and three brothers - Lawrence Gwynn, Willis Gwynn, and John Gwynn.

Helen was baptized into the Christian faith at St. Ignatius Loyola Catholic Church in Oxon Hill, Maryland. Unfortunately, African Americans were required to stand in the rear of the sanctuary, while the white members were allowed to be seated. Helen never forgot the injustice of this discrimination and devoted her life to racial justice and reconciliation.

Growing up on her grandparent’s farm in Oxon Hill, Helen experienced an exceedingly difficult childhood punctuated by abuse, violence, alcoholism, and neglect. Yet, as a child, Helen developed a lifelong resilience based upon her faith in the Lord, and that HE alone would give her the strength to survive, as well as to thrive. Helen attended the segregated Frederick Douglass High School in Upper Marlboro, but left after the tenth grade to seek employment in Washington, D.C. Initially, she served as a domestic at Bolling Air Force Base, while continuing her education at D.C. night school. After several years of study, she received her high school diploma.

With diploma in hand, Helen sought to improve her position in the world and passed the Civil Service Exam. Thus began a forty-year career as a federal government employee. Initially, she entered the workforce as a file clerk. But her ardent desire to uplift herself led to the completion of typing and shorthand courses, and she began to rise in the ranks. She served at the Veteran’s Administration, the Navy Annex, and eventually the U.S. Naval Academy. At the Naval Academy, she became a Manager in the Nominations and Appointments Department, becoming the first African American and woman to hold that position. The Naval Academy was an incredibly challenging environment for Helen as she experienced racism and sexism from her superiors, as well as her employees. Nevertheless, Helen successfully operated the Department with respect and dignity. Afterwards, Helen returned to the Navy Annex and retired from the federal government in 1986.

In 1962, Helen married Harold Riley Sr, and from this union came a son, Kerry Lee, in 1963, and a daughter, Lisa Ann, in 1967. During this same period, Helen was diagnosed with Multiple Sclerosis, which affected her for the rest of her life. Undeterred, Helen found herself as a single mother raising two children while battling the disease. She devoted her life to their comfort and care, and both children possess multiple degrees, and are successful and established professionals.

It was during her time in the Civil Service that Helen met her lifelong friends, Anita Simmons and Kathleen Fisher. Together, with the other Black women who were employed with them, they founded “The Royal Socialites Club,” coined by Anita Simmons. For forty years, these monthly club meetings provided support and collegiality for these women as they raised their families. Helen contributed by hosting her meetings - usually consisting of a menu of pigs feet, chitterlings, collard greens, and potato salad. The meal was often followed by a spirited and rousing game of Pokeno and other card games.

Helen also believed in serving her local community, and she was an ardent supporter and member of the Ardmore-Ardwick Civic Association. She attended monthly meetings, assisted local residents with their personal needs, served as a poll worker for elections, and supported many social events and dances. During the 1990’s, Helen spearheaded a campaign to rename her section of Landover located just outside the Beltway. Helen mobilized other residents, and she was interviewed by Channel Five news who detailed her efforts. Subsequently, this section was renamed Springdale and is formally recognized as an incorporated town.

Lastly, Helen will be known for her devotion to her church, Ascension Lutheran in Landover Hills, Maryland. Joining in 1967, Helen was a fervently active member and sent her children to the day school, Sunday School, youth group and other church activities. As a member of the Senior Choir, Helen utilized her beautiful soprano voice for thirty years, eventually gaining a personal solo. However, Helen will be especially known for serving as the first woman to chair a committee on the Church Council. At that time, only men were allowed to serve as board chairs, while women were allowed to serve as Secretary. After consultation with other members, she became the chair of the Board of Social Ministry, which continues to serve residents at the P.G. County shelter and provides services throughout the county. In her later years, Helen was a steadfast member of the “Sundays at Six” ministry.

Helen departed her earthly life on August 5, 2026, at the wizened age of 99. She leaves to mourn a son, Kerry Riley of Silver Spring, Maryland; a daughter, Lisa Lee (Todd) of Welcome, Maryland; a granddaughter, De’Jah Lee (Dorian), of Hagerstown, Maryland; two devoted friends, Anita Simmons and Kathleen Fisher; a dedicated and caring personal assistant, Mariama Seidu, and a host of other relatives and friends.

Helen will best be remembered for her quiet dignity and grace, as well as her smart fashion sense. Helen’s generosity had no boundaries and she was often the first to provide a phone call, visit, card, or a steaming pot of her savory meatballs to all in need. Despite losing her vision in her later years, Helen clung to her faith in the Lord to see her through. THIS is her legacy!