Mrs. Eyvonne Riles

Eyvonne Riles (née Johnson) was born on October 16, 1949 to Rosie Lee Perry and Edgar Johnson in rural Huntsville, Texas. She became the oldest sibling after her big sister, Rose Marie, passed away as a toddler from a severe food allergy. Her mother, a devout servant of God, moved the family to Houston when Eyvonne started public school as a kindergartener. Eyvonne too accepted Christ at an early age. She was baptized at Concord Missionary Baptist church in Independence Heights, Houston, Texas. Eyvonne excelled in school and would, in 1972, earn her bachelor’s degree in biology from Prairie View A&M University. While attending University, Eyvonne met her two best friends Eileen and Charlotte, and become a member of the esteemed Delta Sigma Theta sorority. This was a treasured time for Eyvonne and a period she would talk about often. After University, Eyvonne landed a job at an insurance firm, purchased a brand-new Camaro automobile in which to get around town, and secured her own apartment. She was so proud of her early achievements and was all smiles recounting these memories to her children later in life. In 1976, at the age of 27, Eyvonne met Julius Riles, and after 4 years of courtship they wed at the church she was baptized at in Houston, Texas. They would remain married for 39 years until she passed away on the morning of February 28, 2019 at the age of 69. Together, Eyvonne and Julius explored unchartered territory with much success and grace as they moved themselves and their children across the country in pursuit of their American dream. In 1981, Eyvonne gave birth to her first child, Stefanie. Ten months later, Eyvonne would give birth to her second child, Kimberly. In 1985, Matthew, her third and youngest child was born. Eyvonne selflessly devoted her time to her children as a stay-at-home mother which her children were forever grateful to her for. She was a member of the PTA at their school when they were young and made her children her priority by being present, even chauffeuring all 3 of them all around town to participate in their various activities. In 1995 Julius was offered the chance of a lifetime to provide for his family with a job in Newport News, Virginia. After some soul-searching between them, they decided to take a chance and move their family east to Virginia. Here, Eyvonne and her family experienced life outside of Texas for the first time. The weather was a little different, the demographic of people was a little different, and the sprawling suburb with the big houses was very different for Eyvonne and her family. While living in Virginia, Eyvonne and her family found community at New Beech Grove Missionary Baptist Church. Eyvonne and her family missed Texas terribly but knew of the opportunity God gave them and treated this gift with the respect it deserved by creating a home in this new place. In 1998, Julius was offered another job opportunity, this time it was near Chicago, Illinois and the family picked up, once more, and relocated. Eyvonne was a bit of a pro by now and led the relocation process to ensure her children would get a quality education in a safe suburb. Eyvonne and Julius chose to move their family to Grayslake, IL where they would raise their children to adulthood, all the while encouraging them to take advantage of their own God-given opportunities. The weather was very different here.

Mrs. Eyvonne Riles

October 16, 1949 - February 28, 2019