Marie Riley

On December 23, 1934, Marie Riley was born to Lillie Mae and James Wilson. Marie Riley

 departed this temporary life to eternal life on February 14, 2025. Marie was born and lived her entire life in Pittsburgh Pennsylvania and was a member of Mt Ararat Baptist church. Marie graduated from Westinghouse high school where she ran track and took first place and won several gold medals. Marie Riley worked as an executive administrator and later retired from the Central Blood Bank after 20 years. Marie stayed active in the workplace and community playing left fielder for the Pittsburgh Platelets   

Marie was a phenomenal roller skater with a passion for fashion and modeling. She was a true trend- setter ripping the runway and shining bright in numerous magazines, Marie was runner up in the Ms. Universe pageant 1962 and graced her elegance and style in the Pittsburgh courier and other ventures and endeavors. 

She also graced her presence as the first black woman invited to the inaugural ball in 1969 to President Nixon. Marie lived life to the fullest; she was a die- hard Steelers fan and loved going to horse races and casinos with family and friends.

Preceded in death by Husband, Dr Rudolph Riley, who was instrumental in developing the polio vaccine along with Jonas Salk. Her loving sisters are Dolores Allen and Barbara Jean McAllister, and her brother is Wilbert Wilson. Marie Riley leaves to mourn in her memory: only child Tiffany Riley, Granddaughters Alexandria Marie Riley, Arielle Lillie Ellese Riley and grandson Willie James Page,

Marie also leaves to mourn her extended family Margaret Page, Robert Page, Jodi Smith, Lakendra Urkhart and a host of cousins, nieces, nephews, friends and family.

Marie Riley will be missed by all.

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