Le Riley

Tupelo- Lesbya Elizabeth (Colbert) Riley, 87, passed away peacefully surrounded by family and love. A force of nature with a heart to match, Le was the life of every room she entered--bold, beautiful, and unforgettable. She was born in Houston, MS on March 29, 1938 to parents Reginald Colbert and Lesbya Davis Colbert. She was a member of Bissell Baptist Church in Tupelo.

Known for her signature red lipstick, elegant perfume, and love of jewelry, Le lived with a radiant energy that drew people in. She was rarely seen without a little glam and a glass of sweet tea in hand--two of her simple joys that brought comfort and style to every day.

A nurse of 46 years by profession and a caretaker by calling, she spent her life tending to the needs of others with compassion, strength, and a unshakable sense of duty. She was as generous as she was strong, the kind of woman who would give you the shirt off her back without hesitation. 

Le had an artist's soul and a dancer's spirit. When she wasn't painting or caring for others, she was moving to the music, filling the room with laughter and light. She loved fiercely and stood tall through every storm. She was stoic, determined, and endlessly resilient. To those closest to her, she wasn't just family--she was home. She was our rock, our matriarch and our safe place.

She is survived by her two devoted daughters, Darylann Hardin (Dale) of Tupelo and Linnie Stone of Aberdeen: her beloved grandchildren Chaz Hardin (Tonya) of New Hope, Taylor Kennedy (Brandon) of New Hope, Lindzey Belk (Trae) of Tupelo, Blakely Lewis of Amory, and Griffin Stone of Southhaven; and her cherished great-grandchildren Brandon Hardin (Madison), Lilian Belk, Kennedy Clarie Lewis and stepbrother Larry Allred. 

Funeral services will be held 2 pm Saturday, May 3rd 2025 at Tisdale-Lann Memorial Funeral Home in Aberdeen with Bro. Tommy Winders officiating.  A private family committal will be at Lee Memorial Park in Verona.

Visitation will be prior to the service from 1 pm to 2 pm.

She was preceded in death by her parents, her twin sister, Louise McCollum, husband, Clarence Riley, step-mother Kathaleen Colbert, step-sister, Joann Coleman and step-brother Billy Allred.

Memorial contributions may be made to The American Cancer Society, St. Jude Children's Research Hospital, or Bissell Baptist Church. 

Expressions of sympathy can be sent to the family at www.tisdalelannmemorialfh.com