Harriet N. Riley

Harriet Naie Avant Riley was born on June 7, 1941, to the union of Thomas and Lillian Avant in Nashville, North Carolina. Harriet migrated to Harlem, NY in 1948. As a child, she was a member of Mount Olivet Baptist Church of Harlem, where she sang in the youth choir. She spent her teenage years in East Elmhurst, Queens where she resided with her paternal Uncle and Aunt, Walter and Grace Avant. Harriet married her husband Joe Riley on May 22nd, 1962. They settled in the Brownsville section of Brooklyn where they raised their family. Harriet was educated in the New York City public school system. She graduated from Commercial High School, where she studied Secretarial Science. Shortly after graduating she began her life long career as a Legal Secretary. She was affectionately nicknamed the “World’s Greatest Secretary” by her colleagues. Harriet retired from the legal department of Liberty Mutual Insurance in 2007. Harriet was a loving and devoted wife, mother, grandmother, great-grandmother, sister, aunt and friend. She enjoyed going to the casino, cooking and baking, and was known for her signature Banana Pudding. She loved taking road trips with her beloved sisters, who were also her best friends, who many referred to as the “Golden Girls”. She especially enjoyed going on day trips and shopping with her friends from the “Co-op”. Harriet was so proud of her children’s and grandchildren's accomplishments. She loved cheering her granddaughter Kassidy on from the sidelines at soccer games. She loved to eat seafood and enjoyed a good Piña Colada. She had a knack of never forgetting a birthday and would always send birthday cards on time, making those she loved feel very special. She was strong, self-reliant and giving. Her humor and observations were unmatched. She filled her home with love, laughter and guidance. Harriet Riley departed this life on Monday, August 7, 2023. She is preceded in death by her loving parents, her brothers William, Isaac and Alexander and her beloved sister Verlene. Harriet leaves to cherish her memory her husband Joe Riley; her children Reggie Riley (Kim) and Rachelle Riley-Banks; her six granddaughters Taniqua, Reghina, Jhenelle, Kassidy, Camille, and Chloe; her three grandsons Reggie Jr., Joseph, and Kire; her eight great-grandchildren Anthony, Amyaa, Joshua, Kaiden, Mylee, Dominic, Mello, and Madison; her siblings Avis Baysmore, Frank Avant, Bobby Avant, and Andre Avant (Amma); one uncle Bronis Avant; a host of nieces, nephews and cousins, and many friends.

Harriet N. Riley

June 7, 1941 - August 7, 2023