Lavern Martha Riley

Mrs. LaVern Martha Riley, 85, passed away peacefully on December 31, 2025, at Magnolia Senior Living in Dawsonville, Georgia. Born on February 16, 1940, in Claxton, Georgia, she was the cherished daughter of Walcer and Vernnie Harper. Her early years were spent in Claxton before the family relocated to Savannah, where she would later meet and marry the love of her life Eldred Allen Riley, Jr.

LaVern graduated from Commercial High School in 1958 and went on to attend Armstrong State College. It was during this time that she met Eldred, whom she married on July 12, 1959. Together they built a loving home in Savannah and raised four children: Eldred Alan Riley, III; Paige Riley May; Paul Ashley Riley; and Brian Evans Riley.

LaVern’s professional journey began with her passion for interior decorating. Her natural eye for beauty and comfort led her into the world of real estate that became both a career and a calling as she attained both her realtor and broker licenses. She found immense joy in helping young couples find their first homes and took pride in guiding families through one of life’s most meaningful milestones. Her dedication eventually led her to become a mortgage loan officer, where she concluded her career with grace and fulfillment.

As retirement grew near, she and Eldred looked forward to building a second home in the North Georgia mountains, where they vacationed often with much pleasure and joy.

Unfortunately, Eldred died unexpectedly in 1999 before they could realize this dream. After Eldred’s death, Lavern fulfilled their dream to the best of her ability without Eldred by relocating to Screamer Mountain, Clayton, Georgia – a place where she always felt close to him. There, surrounded by the breathtaking views of the North Georgia mountains, she spent countless hours painting landscapes from her porch. Her artwork—ranging from sweeping vistas to charming Christmas cards—was shared with friends and became treasured keepsakes.

LaVern and Eldred’s home was always filled with warmth and laughter. It served as a central gathering place for neighborhood children, friends, and extended family. Whether hosting holiday celebrations or impromptu get-togethers, they created an atmosphere where everyone felt welcome.

LaVern will be lovingly remembered by her children: son Eldred Allen Riley III and his wife Lisa Riley, and their children Patrick Riley, Matthew Koskela, and Robert Koskela; daughter Paige Riley May and her husband Bob May, and their children Lauren May and Phillip May; son Paul Riley and his wife Lorna Riley, and their children Joshua Riley and Sarah Riley; and son Brian Riley and his wife Holly Riley, and their daughters Kristen Riley and Maygen Pritchard. She leaves behind a legacy through her five great grandchildren.

Her nurturing spirit extended beyond her immediate family as she also fostered Walter Van Vleck and Dana Dowdell—further testament to her boundless compassion for children.

LaVern’s life was one marked by love—for family, for home, for art—and by an unwavering commitment to creating beauty wherever she went. Her memory will live on in the hearts of all who knew her.

May her memory bring comfort to those who knew and loved her. A Burial will be held on January 3, 2026 at Forest Lawn Memory Gardens. A private service for Family only.

In lieu of flowers please make donations to Faith in Serving Humanity (FISH). Click here to make a donation 

Please sign our online guestbook at www.bakermccullough.com

Services have been entrusted to Baker McCullough Funeral Home Garden City Chapel, 2794 West US Highway 80 Garden City, GA 31408. (912) 964-2862. www.bakermccullough.com