Lula Mae Riley

Lula Mae Riley was born in Carsonville Georgia on December 6, 1929. To the parents of Jimmie “Man” Dawson and Flossie Mallory Dawson. She grew up and attended the public schools of Taylor County. She was known and respected as the matriarch of her family and a servant of God to the Faith community. She was preceded in death by her sister Lovie Dawson Morris, and brothers John H Dawson, Robert Lee Dawson, Alton Dawson as well as her daughter Cerdina Marie Riley and Son Bobby Ray Riley.  Mother Riley met and married the love of her life Herbert Riley and to this Union twelve children were born. 

Mr. Lula Mae was very involved in her community and local churches, these are the various positions she held president of the Christian Women’s Missionary Society of the Second Flint River Missionary Baptist Association, She was a Officer in the Community Floral Club. She was a member of the Butler Garden Society she also was a member of the Taylor County Environmental Task Force, she was honored as the Butler Citizen of the Year, and she also received a distinguished member for Christian Service Award.

She was a devoted member of the Beulahland Baptist Church where she served many years singing in the Gospel choir and she also served on the Usher Board. She received a national certification from the NAACP for her committed service and advocacy. She also was certified by the Georgia Board of Poll Workers, where she dedicated her time as a poll Assistant during all the county elections. She was the first black woman to run for City Council in Butler, Georgia. She enjoyed her career as a Domestic Engineer that span over 70 years, which reflect her timeless work ethics and spirit of dedication.

All who knew Ms. Lula Mae knew she was a hard fighting soldier on the battlefield called life. In her life she fought many battles some she won and some she lost but she never gave up. As her weary body grew weak and tired she surrendered the battle to her savior and he said peace be thine. She welcome that new life she often prayed and  Sanged about on November 23, 2024 when she went home to be with the lord.

This radiant spirit will long be remembered by her children Bernice (William Bill) Davis, Atlanta Georgia,  Carolyn (Johnny) Woods Decatur Georgia, Geraldine (Rosevelt) Gordon Collierville Tennessee, Virginia Riley Memphis Tennessee Mary Riley Perry Georgia, Margie (Blake) Riley- Byers, Dunnwoody Georgia, Donald (Tina) Riley Fort Valley Georgia, Lovie Riley Decatur Georgia, Henry Riley Atlanta Georgia, Sandra Riley Robinson Kathleen Georgia, 10 grand children 14 great grandchildren 11 great great grand children and a host of nieces, nephews, cousins other relatives and friends who will cherish her memory forever.