Roll Call Tribute

Barbara Lyn Riley 

March 9, 1947 - October 31, 2023 

Barbara Lyn (Barnett) Riley, 76, of Bryan, went to be with our Lord and Savior on Tuesday, October 31, 2023 surrounded by her loving family. A public visitation will be held from 9:00 to 10:00 AM on Saturday, November 4, 2023 followed by a Celebration of Life Service at 10:00 AM at the Burleson County Cowboy Church in Caldwell, Texas.

Barbara Lyn (Barnett) Riley was born on March 9, 1947 to Hugh Barnett and Audrey (Burney) Barnett in Bryan, Texas. She was the oldest of three siblings. Barbara graduated from Stephen F. Austin in 1965. She attended Texas A&M University, where she received her degree and went on to pursue a rewarding career in teaching.

Barbara had three beautiful children whom she loved more than anything, and would do anything for them. Family was the most important to her. She loved going to garage sales with her mother and continued this tradition with her sister, daughter and grandchildren. They would spend Saturday morning at Shipley’s Donuts with a cup of coffee and a newspaper in hand to make their selections for the day. They always ended a good garage sale run with a trip to Coco Loco for a bowl of caldo. She loved to go to garage sales so much that she eventually would have to have one of her own.

Barbara had a great love of animals and enjoyed spending time on the family farm at Birch with her children, grandchildren, great grandchildren and a wide variety of animals. She had a passion for gardening and was happiest when she was up to her elbows in plants and flowers. Barbara also loved going to the movies every week with her sister, family and friends that came along. Barbara also loved her daily coffee dates with her son James. She was, and will always be, known for her giving heart and loving spirit.

Barbara is preceded in death by her parents, Hugh and Audrey Barnett.

She is survived by her brother, Hugh Barnett and wife, Leanne Barnett, of Somerville; sister, Mary Hanson and husband Tommy, of Bryan; son, James Riley and wife, Kristyn, of Caldwell; son, Chris Riley, of Wasilla, Alaska; daughter, Carrie Riley and fiance, Dennis Karkoska of Millican; grandchildren, James Riley, III, Jordyn Williams, and her husband Anton, Jack Riley, Nicholas Riley, Katy Brewster, Travis and his wife, Sara Brewster and Matthew Brewster; great-grandchildren, Tucker Baggerly, Laynee Baggerly, Kooper Williams, Baby Theodore Williams and Baby Brewster on the way; nieces and nephews, Haley Hanson, Spencer Hanson, Adam Barnett, Arann Barnett, Meredith Pennington and Doug Pennington.

Serving as Pallbearers are Travis Brewster, Matthew Brewster, Katy Brewster, James Riley III, Jordyn Williams, Jack Riley, Nicholas Riley and Haley Hanson.

In lieu of flowers donations can be made to St. Jude or The American Diabetes Association.

Express condolences at PhillipsandLuckey.com