Nathan Riley, Sr., affectionately known by family as Brother and Uncle Lil Brother, age 83, of Gary, Indiana, made his peaceful transition to his heavenly home on March 29, 2022. Nathan was born in Tcula, Mississippi, in 1938 to Lucille and Charlie Riley, Sr.
In the year of 1979, his life radically changed; he accepted Jesus Christ as Lord and Savior. He never looked back and faithfully served alongside his family at the Washington Street Church of God under the leadership of the late Reverend James A. Anderson, and continued to serve under the leadership of his son-in-law, Reverend Michael Dotson. He was a true servant. He served as a deacon, trustee, and usher. He played a key role in the establishment of the Brother's Keeper Homeless Shelter for men. He was always willing and open to help the church, his community, friends and family in any way he could.
Nathan is preceded in death by his parents; brother, Charlie Riley, Jr.,; grandparents, Minnie and John Anderson; special aunt, Johnnie Mae White; and his beloved wife of 44 years, Pauthena Riley.
He leaves to cherish a lifetime of memories: loving wife, Laura Riley, Gary, Indiana; children, Nathan (Sharon) Riley, Valparaiso, Indiana, Katie (Michael) Riley-Dotson, Gary, Indiana, Charles (Melody) Riley, Dayton, Ohio, Anthony (Stacey) Riley, Gary, Indiana, Donald (Linda) Riley, Los Angeles, California, Dr. Emmett (Martha) Riley, Gary, Indiana, Taranza Campbell, Gary, Indiana, Kenneth (Camelia) Riley, Merrillville, Indiana, Reginald (Regina) Riley, and Terrell (Larnise) Riley, both of Indianapolis, Indiana, Paulette Riley, Leesburg, Virginia, Latrice Riley, Gary, Indiana, and Odessa (Johnny) Smith, Milwaukee, Wisconsin; inherited daughters, Cassandra Davis, Merrillville, Indiana, Linda (Nathaniel) Newsome, Veronica Luckett, Carolyn (Percy) Bell, all of Denver, Colorado, and Evangelist Vanessa (Michael) Fulks, O'Fallon, Ohio, who affectionately called him "Papa Nate"; and a host of grandchildren, great-grandchildren, great-great grandchildren, nieces, nephews, other relatives and dear friends.
Visitation Friday, April 8, 2022 10:00 a.m.- 11:00 a.m. with Homegoing Services 11:00 a.m.- 1:00 p.m. from Washington Street Church of God, 2101 Washington Street Gary, Indiana. Pastor Michael Dotson, officiating. Interment Evergreen Memorial Park, Hobart, Indiana.
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