Constance Ann “Connie” Riley
Constance Ann “Connie” Riley (nee Morris), a cherished mother, grandmother, great-grandmother, and friend to all who knew her, passed away on May 30, 2024, in Spring, TX at the age of 83. Born on November 16, 1940, in Columbia, MO, she was the daughter of the late Roy C. “RC” and Mary M. (Grothaus) Morris. After Connie’s father was killed in the Navy, her mother married her stepfather, the late Lewis P. Cole.
The family moved to TX where Connie graduated from Texas City High School in 1958, and met and married her beloved husband, the late Billy Ross Riley. They were happily married for 54 years until his death in 2014. While raising their three children. She attended the College of the Mainland where she earned a degree. She enjoyed a long and successful computer drafting career working for several NASA contractors until she retired in 2010, at age 70.
Connie’s love of life was infectious, whether helping those in need or enjoying her extended group of friends and family. She also took pleasure in gardening, crafting, traveling, camping, geocaching, genealogy, and her pets. She shared faith and community as a dedicated member of the Shrine of the True Cross Catholic Church in Dickinson, TX.
Her warm smile and generous nature will be deeply missed by all who knew her including: her son, Billy R. Riley Jr., and wife Tracy; her daughter, Jeanne Riley Simmons; her daughter-in-law, Cindy Riley; her grandchildren, Rachel Riley, Brandon Burkett and wife Elizabeth, Andrea Savoie and husband Jeremy Savoie, Anthony Mayes, Cody Seyfried and Levy Lawson. Her great-grandchildren, Blake Burkett, Eric and Evan Savoie, Kloie Schultz, Kyron Mayes, Logan Lawson, Jaxson Seyfried, Ember Seyfried, Everlee Seyfried, Aspyn Seyfried, Bailea Seyfried and Railee Guillot. H er sisters, Nancee Noderer and husband William and Vanessa Cole; and many nieces and nephews. She was preceded in death by her husband, Billy R. Riley Sr., son, David D. Riley, her grandson, Joseph D. Riley and her brother, Roy B. Morris, and wife Carolyn.
A Funeral Mass will be held at 10:30 AM on Friday, June 7, 2024, at the Shrine of the True Cross, Dickinson, TX where the family will receive relatives and friends beginning at 9:30 AM. Bereavement Lunch will be held immediately following, next door in the Multi-Purpose room. Interment will be immediately following (~1:30 PM) at Mt. Olivet Cemetery. Memories and condolences may be shared at www.crowderfuneralhome.com. In lieu of flowers, contributions may be made in Connie’s memory to the Shrine of the True Cross or to a charity of one’s choice.
Connie had been a true friend for many years to Merilyn and I. She was always a gentle loving soul and loved God, her family, her little bit of a dog and True Cross. She the first member of the Anima Christy Committee and worked tirelessly to get the Third Class Relic Cards made for the church. She was always ready with kind words of encouragement and loved working for the church. No matter what life threw her way she never gave up and persevered.
We have missed her greatly since she had to leave her home and reside at Morada. I know she loved it there with so many people to be friends with. Rest In Peace my friend.
Ms. Connie, as I affectionately called her, was a wonderful person and good friend. I worked closely with her for six years in the pilgrimage / Precious Relic of the True Cross devotion ministry (known as the Anima Christi team) at the Shrine of the True Cross parish in Dickinson, Texas. I was the founding member of the team, and Ms. Connie was my very first volunteer, even before my wife joined the team! Ms. Connie was one of those quiet souls who never sought attention or recognition while tirelessly working for Our Blessed Lord Jesus Christ in His Vineyard. She had great Catholic faith, and was fearless in the most kind and patient way. She never gave up, was very, very loyal, and endured suffering with positivity and a smile. She will always be a big part of my Catholic faith journey. God bless you and keep you, Ms. Connie, and grant your Eternal Soul peace in Heaven. My sincere condolences to Ms. Connie’s many family and friends. Sincerely, in Christ, Dan Mowery, Mentor, Ohio, USA
I first met Connie when she worked with Kentron, a NASA contractor just as the Skylab was coming down and the very start of shuttle program. She was such a friendly and helpful person. I truly miss those days with her and the many times seeing her at True Cross. My prayers go out to her and her beautiful big family that God has given her. God bless you Connie