Joyce A. Riley

Joyce Ann Riley was born on July 21, 1942, In Drew, Mississippi where I attended Drew High School. I was the fourth child of 11 children born to Harry and Rachel Williams  whom both has proceeded me in death. My 3 brothers, Charlie, Harry and Prince Williams, Sister Irma Johnson, son Lenn Riley and four grandsons Larry, Michael, Timothy and Zjhon Riley also precede me in death.

On April 15,1960 I married the late Willie Riley Sr. To this union 11 children were born 6 girls 5 boys. Some would say I was trying to keep up with my late mother Rachel Williams.

I accepted Christ at an early age and became a member of Olive Street Missionary Baptist Church under the leadership of Pastor Ulysses Berkley and Pastor Robert Rhodes who both has preceded me in death. I became a new member of Providence House Of Worship 11-2022 under the powerful leadership of Superintendent Johnny A. Moore Pastor, there I became ordained as the mother of the church and found myself becoming stronger in the word a more healthy Christian, self-confidence- in who God has created me to be, and in what God has created me to do, which was to be a foundation for my calling. I am rooted and grounded in Christ. " I am God's special child", and I would live by those words until the day God would call me home.

In 1970 I was employed by General Motors Automotive Union Local31 and after years of service I retired. I just could not sit still, so I began working as a supervisor at the Rebound Center for the homeless. I studied labor Law at the Kansas City Junior College and was a Substance Abuse Counselor at the Kansas City Kansas Community College.

I became the Parent- Teacher Associate President at Ashland Elementary School and served on the school advisory board.

I founded JAWS Production (Joyce Ann Williams) that brought about the Giggle Box production a standup comedy shows in our community. However, my calling was much greater.

My love for children was unmatched. I felt that children couldn't be loved enough, so I made my home that is set at the corner of Elmwood Street a safe haven for all children. I was always willing to listen, feed, pray and give advice to all who may need me. Come what may, there is nothing I couldn't handle without God on my side. I knew God had so much more in store for me, I just didn't know what. Then I lost my grandson to a homicide that struck my family and neighborhood hard. I had to do something.

I founded the 24th Street Non-Violent Marchers which brought about many changes in my neighborhood and community and because of my unwavering dedication to my neighborhood, the Kansas City Police Department named a task force after my fight" The 24th Street Task Force". I have developed a successful formula, whether in the streets or elsewhere.

I became the President of 23rd Street PAC Neighborhood Association and was involved in the Coalition of Labor Union Women.

It is the God I serve, my family, and the game of football, those  Chiefs( My Hommie) that keep me fighting. Many would say that my fight is over, I say my fight has just begun. I am heaven bound, I have a special place for me that is paved in gold you could never imagine, only you could see for yourself.

My cherished memories of 11 children; Five sons Willie Riley JR. (Dawn), Cornelious (Rachel), Demetrius, Howard (Dawanna); 6 daughters: Wilma Winters, Gwendolyn, Rachael,

Lisa Green (James), Zenja Roe (Chris), Joanne Riley. Loretha Ford (My Daughter in Law). 47 Grandkids, 69 great grandkids and 5 great-great grandkids.

My brother, Eugene Williams -My emotional brother- (Patsy); 6 Sisters: Dorothy Hawkins (my twin), Katie Carthen (My Katie Ray), Peggy Brown, (My Cray-Cray “who's going to check me”?) Shirlene Williams (Don't let the smooth Tast fool you) and Marion Williams (The life of the party). From your devoted mother, sister, and aunt. Thank you ALL for being a friend.