Janine Nicole Riley

Janine Nicole Riley was born on April 2, 1965 to Anna Rose Hutton and David Lawrence Riley in Los Angeles, CA. She lived in Los Angeles until she was nine years old and then located to New Orleans, LA to live with her grandparents Williana and Eli Hutton, aunts Yvonne and Roslyn (George), and uncles Edward (JoAnn) and Micheal Hutton (Karen and Gail). Due to the strong family bond created in the Hutton family, she developed a close brother/sister relationship with her cousin, Richard Hutton (Renae).

Janine was educated in Orleans Parish Public Schools where she attended St. Mathias Catholic, Crocker Elementary, Samuel J. Peters Junior High, and Warren Easton High School. At Warren Easton, she was an active member of the choir and won 1st place in the talent show singing Patti LaBelle’s “Somewhere Over the Rainbow”. Janine was known for her melodic singing voice that brought her a lot of attention.

She also attended the University of New Orleans, Stevenson’s Beauty School, and Casino Card Dealing School. From there, she established her career at numerous casinos as a dealer and supervisor.

Janine was the oldest cousin in the Hutton Family clan as she was known for her big sister, fun, and festive spirit. She served physically and spiritually as Godmother to Wilauna Jackson and Michelle Hutton, stepping in and being a mother figure to both especially after the passing of her aunt, Roslyn Jackson.

Janine was a best friend to many as her smile and sense of humor was infectious to everyone she met. Her longtime honorary friends include, but not limited to: Tracy Raney, Carlaina Bell, Carolyn Ellzey, Jayna Knox, Shelita Johnson, Charmel Peterson, and Michael Major. Each of them has their own unique memory of the special and fun times they used to share with her.

On April 4, 1992, Janine was joined in union to Bryan Keith Harrison of Kansas City, MO. From their union, they had two beautiful daughters Brianna Jade and Alexis Keyon Harrison. Shortly after the birth of their daughters, the Harrison Family relocated to Kansas City, MO to establish their lives with the McElroy family. Janine became a loving member of her in-law family including but not limited to her mother and father in law, Patricia and Joel McElroy and niece Tiffany McNeil. She was especially loved and adored by her sisters in law, Gayle Ferguson and Kellie Smith, whom she spend most of her time with celebrating and traveling, along with many nieces, nephews, and cousins. Janine enjoyed spending Family Night with the McElroy Family who got together frequently to maintain their strong family bond.

Janine became the grandmother to Charles (Sekou), Ka’Lani, and Storm. She was the honorary grandmother to Annaya. All of her grandchildren affectionately referred to her as “GiGi”.

Janine was widely known for her love for the singer, Prince. She attended every concert in her area and even got a chance to dance on stage with him. Her favorite songs included, “Darlin’ Nikki”, “Adore” and “Purple Rain”.

Janine proceeds in the death of her grandparents, Williana and Eli Hutton, parents Anna Rose and David Riley, aunts Roslyn and Yvonne, and cousins William “Chris” and Edward Jr.

She will be dearly missed and remain to have a special place in all of our hearts and lives.