Bessie Marion Riley, a beloved matriarch, woman of faith, and longtime resident of Poughkeepsie, New York, peacefully earned her wings on July 9, 2026, at the remarkable age of 112. A supercentenarian whose life spanned more than a century of history, Bessie was a devoted wife, mother, daughter, sister, grandmother, great-grandmother, great-great-grandmother, great-great-great-grandmother, aunt, cousin, and friend. Her life was a testament to faith, family, perseverance, and love. Bessie was born on May 28, 1914, in Poughkeepsie, New York, to the late Fred Nicholas and Mary E. Willis. She attended a one-room schoolhouse before graduating from the Poughkeepsie City School System. She later dedicated 17 years of service to the Hudson River Psychiatric Center before retiring.  Bessie was married for 31 years to the late retired police officer William S. Riley. Together, they built a family whose generations would become one of the greatest legacies of her long and remarkable life. When asked about the secret to her longevity, Bessie credited three things: walking, loving her family, and her faith. She dedicated her life to Christ at the age of nine and remained steadfast in her faith throughout her life. Perhaps fittingly, 103 years later, Bessie was called home on July 9, a beautiful full-circle moment in a life deeply rooted in faith. She held various positions within the church and was blessed with a beautiful soprano voice. Bessie found joy in the simple things that made life meaningful. She loved family gatherings, Fannie Farmer peanut clusters, bananas, fresh flowers, and Pepsi. Those who knew her well will smile remembering that she was always prepared to leave a gathering with her bag and three takeout containers. Over the course of her 112 years, Bessie witnessed a world transformed in ways few people ever will. Born in 1914, she lived through more than a century of American history and witnessed something she once thought she would never live to see: a Black man become President of the United States. President Barack Obama was the last president for whom she voted, and she was elated to receive a personally signed letter and photograph from President Barack Obama and First Lady Michelle Obama in honor of her 100th birthday. At the age of 110, Bessie continued to be celebrated for her extraordinary longevity. She was recognized as the oldest resident of Dutchess County, the fifth-oldest person in New York State, and the fifteenth-oldest person in the country. Throughout the years, she also received certificates and proclamations from the City of Poughkeepsie honoring her remarkable life. Yet beyond the milestones, proclamations, and history she witnessed, Bessie’s greatest legacy is the family she leaves behind. More than a century of life cannot be measured simply in years, but in the generations that followed, the traditions she carried forward, the stories she shared, and the lives forever shaped by her presence. Bessie is survived by her lovingly devoted and dedicated son, William L. Riley; granddaughters Elaine Mizell, Deborah Pegg (Mark), Monica Harris (Wesley), and granddaughter-in-law Judy Mizell; grandsons David Riley Jr. (Henrietta), Steven Riley (Jean), and Ronald Gordon; 13 great-grandchildren, 30 great-great-grandchildren, and one great-great-great-grandchild, as well as many beloved nieces and nephews. She is also lovingly remembered by her friend and caretaker, Carmen, and her devoted nephew and prayer warrior, Carlton Johnson. Bessie was predeceased by her brothers, Fredrick Nicholas and Chester Nicholas; her sisters, Agnes Anderson, Clara Johnson, Margaret (Louise) Anderson, Helen Burney, and Edith Waller; her daughters, Margaret Mizell, Jean Lassiter, and Alberta Johnson; and her son, David C. Riley Sr. and grandson, Daniel Mizell. For 112 years, Bessie Marion Riley walked this earth with faith, strength, humor, and love. She lived long enough to see generations of her family grow, history unfold before her eyes, and the world change in ways that would have been unimaginable when she was born. Her passing marks the end of an extraordinary chapter, but her story will continue through every generation that carries her lessons, her faith, and her love forward.  Visitation will be held on Thursday July 16, 2026, from 10am to 11am at the Ebenezer Baptist Church, 15 Smith Street, Poughkeepsie, NY 12601 with a celebration of life beginning at 11am with Pastor Michael Bell officiating. Burial to follow at Poughkeepsie Rural Cemetery. Arrangements have been entrusted to Joseph J. Darrow Sr. Funeral Home, Inc. 39 So. Hamilton Street, Poughkeepsie, NY 12601. (845)452-1840. To send condolences online please visit our website at www.darrowfuneralhome.org

The family extends a heartfelt and special thank you to the exceptional staff of 109 South at Lutheran Care Rehabilitation and Nursing Care Center for the compassion, kindness, and care they provided to Bessie. In lieu of flowers, the family kindly requests that donations be made in Bessie’s honor to be sent to St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital, her favorite charity. A life of 112 years is extraordinary. A legacy that lives through generations is eternal.