Jill Riley

Jill Kathleen Riley, age 55 passed away June 13,2019.  Jill was dearly loved and survived by her husband, Paul Riley; three sons, Jonathan, Christopher, and Timothy; two daughters-in-love, Alice and Tatjana and two grandchildren, Creek, Jane and Beau. She also leaves behind numerous loving relatives and friends.

Jill was born to Doyne and Evelyn Smelser, in North Little Rock, Arkansas on November 10, 1963. Their first thought to the Thanksgiving month must have been that this will be the most blessed and thankful November of all. She grew up with her sister, Karen, and two brothers, Greg and Joe Smelser.

Jill Kathleen Riley was the most amazing woman. Although she came from what may have seemed like simple beginnings, Jill worked hard and long through school, and went on to excel in a career dedicated to helping and serving those in need. The drive and determination to help others, characterized this strong and loving wife, mother, and grandmother.

Jill graduated from Baptist Medical College and became a registered nurse where she pursued her calling in various hospitals and nursing homes. Everyone she encountered in her career loved her, cherished her friendship, and admired the way she went above and beyond for her patients.

Jill was a very family oriented woman. No matter if you stemmed directly from her family tree she loved you as if you were her own. Her sister-in-law Pam Smelser was her God given best friend. Their relationship was undeniable and the pair was inseparable. Her best friends were Rebecca Moreno, Angela Clemons, Gidget Sobczak and Kim Jewell. The crews’ favorite adventures were hitting the beach, planning a cruise a year in advance or planning the next shopping trip. Jill’s favorite place in the world was the beach, and if you ever saw Jill her flip flops were on her feet, always ready for her summer get away.

Jill and her husband, Paul, had the most indescribable bond full of fun and laughter. One of Paul’s favorite memories of her was being awakened at 3 am to Jill’s hot flashes, being told it was his fault and he must go turn on the fan now, all while being drowned in the covers, and several blankets that were once on her.  Jill loved Paul more than anything in this world and did her best day to day to make him happy and proud.

Jill undeniably loved God. Her favorite verse was Proverbs 3:5-6, “Trust in the Lord with all your heart and lean not on your own understanding; in all your ways submit to him, and he will make your paths straight. Jill prayed with and for her boys every morning and did not miss a chance to worship God. She was very involved in church and specifically Celebrate Recovery. Church was a favorite place to be, and she brought many people to God. Jill was the most selfless person and always put others needs before her own.

She was love, light, and a beautiful ocean sunrise.

Visitation will be 10:00 A.M. Monday, June 24, 2019, followed by a Funeral Service at 11:00 A.M. at First Assembly of God, North Little Rock.  Burial will follow in Arkansas State Veterans Cemetery.  Memorials can be made to Celebrate Recovery at First Assembly of God North Little Rock.