Emily Tyler Riddle

Emily Tyler Riddle, 53, of Fernandina Beach, Florida, passed away on March 23, 2026, at Warner Center for Caring after a brief, but courageous battle with cancer.
Born on October 19, 1972, in Milledgeville, Georgia, Emily was the daughter of Willard "Buddy" Riddle and Carolyn (Edwards) Riddle. She was known for her love of cats, Barbie dolls, and her quirky sense of style, nearly always in a dress, preferably with pockets.
Before settling in Fernandina Beach in 1996, Emily grew up and spent time across the country, from Georgia to Irvine, California, to El Paso, Texas, and even a few years in the Chicago area during and shortly after college. She graduated from Flagler College in St. Augustine, Florida, in 1994, where she studied communications, unknowingly laying the foundation for what would become her passion and career. In 2010, she and her husband (fiancé at the time), Justin, began hosting trivia together, eventually launching TRIVIA:30 in 2013 into a respected local business and community staple. Emily's crisp delivery, quick wit, and generally sardonic sense of humor made her a star on the microphone and a favorite among regulars and newcomers alike. Through trivia, she built not just a business, but a community and a network of friends who felt like family.
Emily's loves included rescuing cats, playing trivia (when she wasn't hosting), horror movies, true crime podcasts, and live comedy shows, Broadway shows, and concerts. She never missed a chance to see some of her favorite bands, such as Tool, Deftones, and Faith No More, to name a few.
She met her husband, Justin Wentz, in 2007 at The Surf, and their first date came when she invited him to play trivia at Slider's, an invitation that turned into a lifelong love of both trivia and each other.
Emily is survived by her husband, Justin Wentz; her sister, Leslie Riddle of Hilton Head, South Carolina; her aunts, Susan Wansley of Covington, Georgia, and Jean (Chip) Faircloth of Signal Mountain, Tennessee; as well as many cousins, nieces, and nephews. She was preceded in death by her father, Willard "Buddy" Riddle, in 2006, and her mother, Carolyn Riddle, in January 2026.
Emily will be remembered for her sharp wit, her unmistakable style, and her thousand expressions, as she could never hide what she was thinking and would have made a terrible poker player. Whether through trivia, laughter, or simply being herself, she left a lasting impression on everyone who knew her.
A celebration of life will be announced at a later date.
Rather than flowers, donations may be made to Cat's Angels, Nassau Humane Society, Catty Shack, or the animal-related charity of your choice.