Cynthia M. Riley

CYNTHIA MONTEZ RILEY, daughter of the late William Outlaw and Ruth Ward, was born on May 24, 1950 in Baltimore, Maryland. She departed this earthly life on June 13, 2006. She was educated through the Archdiocese of Baltimore, graduating from Martins High School in 1969. She married Elton Daniel and from that union one daughter, Jewel, was born. From 1970 to accepting an early retirement in 2001, Cynthia was employed by C&P (Verizon) telephone company. She was married and divorced to Abraham Riley during the 1980's. Cynthia continued to pursue her studies and received an Associates degree in communications from Essex Community College, while never missing a beat caring for Jewel. To relax, Cynthia developed a passion and perfected the art of Pinochle. This "exercise" helped her to discover and maintain several true and life-long friends. She always talked about going places to create memories. After retirement she began to travel extensively, from the East coast to the West coast, and in 2005 her international travel began with a trip to the Bahamas. Finding the most pleasure "just a 4-hour car drive away" as she would say, in Williamsburg, VA. Cynthia loved the summer months. This was the time when she could sit out on the grass to enjoy jazz music, walk around at free outdoor cultural art events, and eat crabs (with a Pepsi cola, of course). Cynthia was a family person who could always be relied upon for strength and support. She devoted herself to caring for her parents. Her mother has often referred to her as not only a daughter but her right arm. She maintained a close relationship with her daughter, by knowing when to be mother and when to be a friend. Each year she planned something special with her granddaughter, who is also her goddaughter, because they shared the same birthday. She passionately loved all of her grandchildren and maintained a special relationship with each of them. She sought to provide them with what their needs were individually and would always be present to give support. Cynthia also took much pride in helping to coordinate a special family "reunion" on her mother's side in 2005. Cynthia was a true homebody. Her close friends called her "Suzie Homemaker" because her home was always immaculate. She took enormous pride in her home, spending much time and sparing no expense nurturing and beautifying her front and back yard and renovating her entire home meticulously room by room. This trait for keeping her home so clean launched her second career which involved her passion of connecting with youth. Cynthia became the site coordinator for the Safe Healing House, East and West where she facilitated the renovation and maintenance of the homes that house 15 males ages 15-20 years old. She created a program called the "Job Bank" which teaches the youth various carpentry skills. Many of the young men bonded with Cynthia and called her Mom or Grandma. Her way was very effective and she was able to reach many young men who were troubled. She had no formal training in this area but her grandmother wit, undying commitment, and knowing how to make a loving home environment made all the difference. She leaves to cherish her loving memory: her stepfather and mother, John and Ruth; daughter, Jewel; son-in-law Fenton; three grandchildren, Blake, Devin, and Tacarra; brother and sister-in-law, Gregory and Marla; three nephews, Phillip, Kevin, and Steven; other mother, Evelyn; two friends that became her sisters, Nzinga and Freda; two childhood friends, Teadie and Ruby; a friend, Michael Cherry; too many relatives and close friends to count; and finally her beloved dog, Rocky.

Tributes

Cynthia M. Riley

May 24, 1950 - June 13, 2006