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Call now for immediate attention: 772-999-5547
Call now for immediate attention: 772-999-5547
Call now for immediate attention: 772-999-5547
Shirley Ann Riley, 67, passed away on June 4, 2026, in Orlando, Florida, following complications from surgery. Born in Vero Beach, Florida, she graduated from Vero Beach High School with the class of 1977. Shirley lived a remarkable life defined by service, creativity, intelligence, and an unwavering commitment to excellence. Shirley was a faithful member of the Eastside Church of Christ in Austin, Texas. As the baby of 6 children, she led her entire immediate family to Christ through her unwavering faith.
A proud veteran of the United States Army, Shirley served honorably from 1982 to 1988. During her military career, she earned numerous decorations, including the Army Commendation Medal (ARCOM) for meritorious achievement and service, the Army Achievement Medal (AAM) for outstanding performance and dedication, the Army Service Ribbon (ASR), the Overseas Service Ribbon (OSR), and the M-16 Rifle Marksman Qualification Badge, recognizing her proficiency and discipline as a soldier. Her exemplary service and trustworthiness earned her positions requiring high-level security clearance, reflecting the confidence her superiors placed in her character and abilities.
Following her military service, Shirley earned her bachelor’s degree and built a successful career as an engineer. Gifted with a natural understanding of technology from an early age, she possessed an exceptional ability to solve problems and master complex systems. Colleagues admired her intelligence, professionalism, and dedication.
Beyond her military and professional accomplishments, Shirley was a talented and accomplished artist whose creativity touched countless lives. Working in oils, acrylics, wood sculpture, mosaics, and mural art, she expressed beauty, resilience, and healing through her work. She was a vigorous member of The Artemis Project, a frequent exhibitor, and the designer of the organization’s logo. Her artwork was featured alongside fellow artists in exhibits dedicated to healing, trauma recovery, and community connection. In recognition of her contributions, the launch and exhibit of From Hell to Health: Journeys Through PTSD/PTSI was dedicated to her memory.
Shirley was known for her radiant spirit, powerful wit, and infectious sense of humor. She was truly a ball of sunshine whose strength, kindness, and determination inspired everyone fortunate enough to know her. As a strong woman who broke barriers through military service, engineering, and the arts, she left a lasting legacy of courage, creativity, and integrity.
She is predeceased by her loving mother, Mary Lee Riley and her oldest brother, Jonathan Riley, United States Army Green Beret; Survived by her loving sisters, Verdenia Thomas, Valerie Joiner, and Gail Abron; Brother, Donald Lee Riley; and her very special Aunt Rosie Clemons, along with special nephews and nieces, as well as a heart connected Great-Nephew, Hollis Wesley Joiner, born at 8:12 am on the same day Shirley entered into eternal life. She also leaves behind extended family members, friends, fellow veterans, and members of the artistic community who will forever cherish her memory.
While Shirley’s passing leaves a profound void in the hearts of her family and loved ones, they find comfort in knowing she is no longer suffering. Her life was one of service, artistic expression, and unwavering dedication to others. Her legacy will continue to shine brightly through the lives she touched, the art she created, and the example she set for future generations.
“Well done, thy good and faithful servant.”
Our caring professionals are here to assist you and your family during this difficult time. We are available 24 hours, 7 days a week to assist in immediate arrangements or pre-arrangements.
Family of Shirley Riley
June 19, 2026, 9:28 pm
A memorial service will be held on July 18, 2026 at the Vero Beach Church of Christ address 3306 20th Street, Vero Beach, FL 32960 at 11AM. An inurnment will follow at Crestlawn Cemetery following the memorial service.
Sharon Rhodes
June 24, 2026, 11:59 pm
My condolences goes out to Shirley’s family. I’m certainly sure she will be missed by all. I met cousin Shirley last year at the one day, three family reunion in Melbourne. She was so friendly and kind. I was sorry to hear of her passing, but I know God don’t make mistakes, he knew she was very tired of being sick, so he came just in time to give her the rest she needed. To the family, be assured, she is at peace now.
Alphonso E Davis
June 25, 2026, 12:48 pm
My condolences goes out to Shirley Riley’s Family. She have serve well and
fought a good battle. The heavenly
Father have call her home. May God
bless her soul.
dineen stevens
June 25, 2026, 1:13 pm
Gail…. my heart breaks for you. What a beautiful soul. I know God will give you the comfort you need to get through this trying time. She is even more beautiful now and with our Lord and not suffering any more. We will all be togetheragain soon. Love you!
Cynthia W. Robinson
June 25, 2026, 1:40 pm
Many thoughts are twirling in my mind about Shirley as l type. She was definitely a one of a kind talented, witty, giving, and always willing to share her artistic gifts with others kind of sister in Christ. What I remember most about Shirley is how she worked on Ladies Day programs with us at the Church of Christ at East Side Austin, TX; always so willingly and diligently. Also, still today, a beautiful dove she created on the floor of the entry of the foyer of our new edifice. Oh how talented she was! She was such a jewel! We really appreciated her and told her so every opportunity we had.
Much love to Valerie (who also worshipped with us) and to Shirley’s entire family. Love, peace, and comfort to all of you. ♥️
Audrey Taylor
June 25, 2026, 5:15 pm
Sending my prayers and deepest condolences to you and your family
Teresa Morgan
June 25, 2026, 8:35 pm
Prayers of comfort for Shirley’s family and friends. What a great loss of a beautiful and gifted woman.
CYNTHIA NOLAN
June 26, 2026, 10:53 am
I am very sorry about your loss may God bless you and your family
Pearl Goode
June 26, 2026, 6:47 pm
May God continue to Bless and Comfort You Sis Gail and Family in the home going of your Sister Shirley Ann Riley.
John Lockhart
June 27, 2026, 12:45 am
John Lockhart
I’m taken by her post it seems like all of the good ones are leaving in abundance but I know God makes no mistakes. She will be solely missed, she was a sweet and loving person who exemplified kindness. Going to miss that beautiful smile! My condolences goes to the family and he assured she is resting at peace now with no more pains. THE LOCKHART FAMILY
Latalya E Taylor
June 28, 2026, 7:23 pm
Sending my deepest condolences to you and your family. keeping you all in my prayers.
Love Latalya
Emmett and Letha Lane
June 28, 2026, 7:37 pm
Our sincere condolences on the loss of your loved one,we pray Gods comfort be with you all during this difficult time
Ina Maria Neal
June 28, 2026, 9:37 pm
To the Riley Family,
Please accept my deepest and most sincere condolences on the passing of Shirley. My heart is saddened by this loss, and I pray that God will comfort and strengthen your family during this difficult time.
Shirley was a special person whose kindness, warmth, and presence touched the lives of many. She will be remembered with love and gratitude by all who had the privilege of knowing her.
May the cherished memories you shared bring you peace, comfort, and strength in the days ahead. Please know that you are in my thoughts and prayers.
With heartfelt sympathy,
Ina Candy Brinson Neal
Anna Rogers
June 29, 2026, 3:06 pm
My prayers and condolences to the family. Shirley and her family were our next-door neighbors throughout our childhood. It was always a pleasure to see her and talk to her about our childhood memories.
You will be missed Shirley!
Anna Lofton Rogers
Dolly Williams
June 30, 2026, 10:15 pm
Shirley will be truly missed by me and our class of 77 but I believe she is on her way to heaven. Praying for the her family at this time of sorrow.
Mary Pittman
July 1, 2026, 3:47 pm
I’m sorry for your loss but remember that absence from the body is to be present with the Lord
Jay Lundy
July 4, 2026, 8:59 pm
t doesn’t seem like a full month has passed. Please accept my deepest condolences on your loss. Shirley’s kindness, wisdom, wit, and positive spirit touched so many lives. I experienced it in conversations as teenagers through our last talk a year ago. She will be deeply missed and fondly remembered.