Bonzelle “Bonnie” Ayers Riley age 86, peacefully departed her home at NHC Lewisburg for a new home with her Heavenly Father on March 24, 2022. Mrs. Bonnie was born May 11, 1935 in Waynesboro, TN, the daughter of the late Joseph and Jessie Mae Byrd Ayers. She was united in marriage to George Edward Riley on April 14, 1956. Mr. Riley preceded her in death September 16, 2005. She loved her family and friends fully and was a light to everyone around her. She loved sewing, crocheting, reading books and reading her Bible through each year. While living here, she was a member of the Waynesboro Church of God.
Surviving children are Gene Riley (Vickie) of Brentwood, TN, Pat Statom (Gerry) of Lewisburg, TN, and Terry Riley (Melanie) of Waynesboro, TN; four surviving granddaughters, Brandie Liggett, Chandra Hall, Holly Peveler, and Amy Chodniewicz. She is also survived by nine great-grandchildren. In addition to her husband and parents, Mrs. Riley was preceded in death by sisters, Pauline Smotherman, Myrtle Martin, and Velma White
The funeral was held on March 27 at 2:00 PM. at Shackelford Funeral Directors, Collinwood, with Tom Rippeto officiating. Interment followed in McGlamery Cemetery with Shackelford Funeral Directors assisting the family.
