Helen Ruth Riley

Helen Ruth Riley, 83, of Quitman, Texas, passed away on February 3, 2025, in Winnsboro, Texas. She was a beloved mother, grandmother, great-grandmother, and lifelong resident of Wood County.

Funeral services will be held on Saturday, February 8, 2025, at 1:00 PM in the Lowe-Gardner Funerals and Cremation Chapel, located at 1102 E. Goode Street, Quitman, Texas. Burial will follow at the Sharon Cemetery. The Riley family will receive friends starting at Noon on Saturday, prior to the service.

Helen Ruth Sharper was born on December 12, 1941, to Q.C. and Mae Willie (Alexander) Sharper in Wood County, Texas. Throughout her life, she found joy in church, writing, and gospel music. She was a steadfast member of her community and cherished her time spent with family and friends.

Helen was preceded in death by her parents, her sister, Quinnie Mae Ivory, and brothers Clarence Sharper, Willie Frank Sharper, Jerry Mac Sharper, and Joe Louis Sharper.

She is survived by her sons, Eric Riley and his girlfriend Paula of Quitman, and Tony Riley of Quitman; brother James Sharper & wife Freddie of Dallas; sisters Katherine Grace of Dallas and Molly Proctor of Dallas; her grandson, Tony Riley, Jr. and his wife Megan of Tyler; as well as three beautiful great-grandchildren, Silas, Kambrey, and Tony III (Trace); and a host of nieces and nephews.

Helen’s memory will live on in the hearts of her family and all who knew her. She was a kind and loving soul who brought light into the lives of many.