Bernize Johnson Riley

February 8, 1942 - July 5, 2020

Bernize Johnson Riley, 78, of Covington GA, passed away Sunday, July 5, 2020, after a lengthy illness. She died at home surrounded by her family. Bernize, who mostly went by Bea, was born to the late JB and Gladys Johnson on February 8, 1942, in Enterprise AL. She graduated from the Enterprise High School. She was preceded in death by a sister, Evelyn Lavelle Hagerla, also of Enterprise. Bea was a 30 year career federal employee who worked for the DOD in Alabama, Florida, and Texas, until transferring to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention in Atlanta. She retired from service in 1995 and spent many of her remaining years being a loving wife, mother, grandmother and friend. Her passions were her family, her faith and church, and gospel music. As Bea lived her life and raised her family, she always welcomed anyone who needed to feel at home. Her home at Thanksgiving, Christmas, and Easter was usually filled to overflowing with people, and that was how she liked it. She is missed beyond imagination. Bea is survived by a spouse, Donald Rex Riley of Covington GA, and their children; Kathy Kirkland of Foley AL, Brenda Swittenburg (Jim) of Gulf Shores AL, Jeffrey Kirkland of Conyers GA, Crystal Riley Pompos of Tampa FL and Davis Riley (Courtney) of Jefferson GA; seven grandchildren and two great-grandchildren, along with many nieces, nephews and cousins. Due to the COVID-19 threat, a small service will be held for immediate family at her home. A memorial service for family and friends is planned for a later date.