Deresa Olga Riley was born January 2, 1919 in Quincy, Florida to Robert John Livingston and Hattie Byrd Livingston. Shortly after her birth, the family relocated to Jacksonville, Florida. Following her graduation from the Jacksonville public school system, Deresa moved to New York City, New York to study fashion design.

In 1943, Deresa moved to Charleston, South Carolina to teach at a sewing vocational school. At a local dance for Armed Forces personnel, she met James Riley. They married in 1944. After World War II, they moved to Detroit, Michigan where their only child, James, Jr. was born in 1953.

While in Detroit, Deresa taught sewing and design at Slade-Gregg Institute. In 1957, the family came to Lansing, Michigan where Deresa and James opened the Riley Funeral Home. At the funeral home, Deresa was actively involved in every part of the business. She did anything required at the funeral home.

Deresa was an accomplished seamstress, creating dresses and costumes, for local families. She also enjoyed traveling especially cruising. She was a member of the Les Amies Club.

She was preceded in death by her four siblings including sister, Grace Anderson, who went to heaven two days before her.

Our beloved wife, mother, and grandmother, Deresa Olga Riley went home to be with our Lord Sunday, October 11, 2015. She will be lovingly remembered and cherished by: her husband of 69 years, James R. Riley, Sr.; son, James R. Riley, Jr.; daughter-in-law, Mary P. Riley; her treasured grandsons, Jackson R. Riley and Jonathan R. Riley; nephews, Thomas and Robert Anderson; and a host of other relatives and friends.

Mrs. Riley will lie in repose Tuesday, October 13, 2015, 3-7pm, at the Riley Funeral Home, 426 W. St. Joseph Street, Lansing, MI 48933. Funeral services will be held Wednesday, October 14, 1pm, at the Riley Funeral Home. The family will receive friends 1 hour before the service. Donations in memory of Mrs. Riley can be made to Building Child and Family Initiatives (BCFI), P.O. Box 4304, East Lansing, MI, 48823. Memories and condolences can be shared at www.rileyfuneralhome.com.