Obituaries

Gail Eizabeth Riley, 66, of Martinsville, Virginia, tranisitioned to her heavenly home Sunday, January 5, 2026. She was born September 12, 1959, in Martinsville, Virginia to the late Howard William Riley and Martha Hairston Riley.

In addition to her parents, she was preceded in death by her sister, Annette Riley; and brother, Ronnie Riley; and maternal grandparents, Marshall and Fanny Hairston.

Gail was of the Christian faith and a dedicated member of High Ridge Missionary Baptist Church, where her love for the Lord and others was evident. Also, she worked on the High Ridge kitchen committee for many years. She was a proud 1978 graduate of G.W. Carver High School. For over forty years, Gail proudly worked as the owner and operator of Riley and Smith as a hairstylist, and those she served. She loved decorating, dressing beautifully, and singing. Gail possessed a remarkable gift for making people smile, and her vibrant spirit and unwavering love for life touched everyone who knew her. She will be deeply missed and forever remembered.

Left to cherish her memory are her sister, Janette Riley Smith, of Fieldale, Virginia, Patsy R. Smith (Freddie), of Dumfries, Virginia; brothers, Howard Riley, Jr., of Columbia South Carolina, Danny Riley (Sandra), of Newberry, South Carolina, Michael Riley (Linda), of Montclair, Virginia and Rudolph Riley; and step daughter, Consuelo “Connie” Martin, of Greensboro, North Carolina; and step son, Victor Martin, of Axton, Virginia.

The funeral will be held Friday, January 9, 2026, at 1:00 PM, at High Ridge Missionary Baptist Church with Pastor Keishawn Niblett officiating. Interment will follow at Carver Memorial Gardens, 2256 Carver Rd, Martinsville, VA 24112. A Visitation will be held one half hour prior to the service.

Wright Funeral Service & Crematory is serving the family.