Blanche Josephine “Jo” Riley passed away Friday, September 23, 2022 at her home in Tupelo. Born October 22, 1935 in Pocahontas, Arkansas, she was the daughter of Fred and Louise Tyler. She was married to Robert Riley and they enjoyed 47 years together before his passing in 2015. Jo worked at Tecumseh Products as the quality control supervisor, retiring after 26 years of service. She was a faithful member of Connect church. A woman of many talents, Jo enjoyed sewing and was well known for her down-home country cooking which she joyfully prepared for all occasions. In her younger years she enjoyed camping and fishing with her family. Jo was also an avid reader.
Jo leaves behind three children, Jimmy Davis (Nadya) , Mickey Davis (Margaret Oliver), and Rhonda Cole (Davey), all of Tupelo; seven grandchildren, Mark Davis, Eric Davis (Madi), Kristina Erb (Tyler), Kevin Davis, Anna Davis-Able (Jacob), Katie Cole and Riley Cole; two great-grandchildren, Eli and Emma; and a sister, Vick Pogue of Arkansas.
She was preceded in death by her parents; her husband, Robert; and two sisters, Helen Morris and Freda Champion.
A celebration of Jo’s life will be 3 p.m. Sunday, September 25, 2022 at the Jefferson Street Chapel with Rev. Terry Pierce officiating. Her granddaughter, Anna Davis-Abel will deliver the eulogy. Burial will be in Lee Memorial Park. Visitation will be 2 p.m. until service time Sunday at W.E. Pegues, Tupelo.
Pallbearers will be Jo Harbin, Scott Coward, Jacob Abel, James Petty, Carey Carnathan, and Eric Davis. Honorary pallbearers will be the Maryann Daniel Sunday School Class and “The Biker Bunch.”
Expressions of sympathy and fond memories may be shared at www.peguesfuneralhome.com.
