Cornelius Riley was born February 18, 1926, in West Helena, Arkansas to the union of the late Mattie and Reverend Harrison Riley Jr. Cornelius is preceded in death by one brother James Arthur, two sisters Willie Mae Miller and Hazel Lee Miller.
Cornelius Riley Sr. 89 of Omaha, NE, departed this life December 26, 2015 in his room.
Cornelius was baptized at a young age in Helena, Arkansas and accepted Christ while attending New Light Baptist Church in Omaha, NE, where he continued to be devoted and active member until his passing.
Cornelius charmed his childhood sweetheart, Gloria D. Hester, and married her in holy matrimony on April 14, 1960, and they remained married even after her passing in 2005. Cornelius was employed as a masonary for various companies. Peter Kiewit, Hawkins Construction Company and retired from Newson Construction Company after 20 years of service. He was last employed at First National Bank as a sanitation employee. After retiring from First National Bank he offered his services as a handyman for family and friends. Cornelius loved his family unconditionally and always put his family first. He was a nonjudgmental unassuming, gentle human being that saw the good in all people. Cornelius loved to cook and he was a certified chef in his own way. His model was if God created it, he ate it. He also loved gardening even though half of the things he planted did not grow too well, but he kept hope alive and planted a garden every year. He loved reminiscing with family and friends about his childhood and hanging out with BB King on Beale Street.
He was preceded in death by his loving wife Gloria D. Riley and beloved daughter Tina Marie Riley. Survived by 4 sons Cornelius Riley Jr. (Dawn) Omaha, Larry D. Riley Omaha, Derick L. Riley (Talia)Omaha, Erick L. Riley (Andrea) Omaha, 1 daughter Vanessa Marie Riley Atlanta, 1 sister Sarah Elizabeth Pruitt Cleveland, 21 grandchildren, 10 great grandchildren, a host of nieces, nephews, cousins and good friends.
Visitation Sunday 3-5 PM Roeder Mortuary 4932 Ames Ave Omaha, NE. Funeral Service Monday (1/2/16) 10:00 AM Roeder Mortuary 4932 Ames Ave Omaha, NE. Interment Mount Hope Cemetery at Omaha, Nebraska
