Dawn Elaine (Jett) Riley

Dawn Elaine Jett Riley was born April 28th, 1958 in Fredericksburg, Virginia to Frank and Evelyn Jett and was baby sister to three siblings.  Dawn started her new life in Heaven on Saturday, March 18, 2017.  Filled with Christ’s love and Holy Spirit, she lavished her love on others in the form of countless kindnesses and loving acts of service.  There was a sweetness at her core like sweet honey in the rock. Her strength and peaceful nature made her the rock that family and friends sought out for comfort, peace and direction.  Dawn was a graduate of Stafford High School and spent all of her adult life in Crozet, Virginia.  A nurse by training and her strength of character and spirit assisted her as she cared for and walked with several family members from life on earth to life in heaven.  

Fun loving and filled with joy, Dawn loved celebrations and vacations with her husband, children and grandchildren at Mint Springs, Virginia Beach, Disney World and Hawaii. Her smiles and laugh filled every space large and small. Hostess extraordinaire she loved to cook and enjoyed having extra people at her table.  Dawn and Michael hosted missionaries through ANM for many years in their home.  She had a heart for children and was a mentor to many throughout the years.

Dawn is survived by, Michael Riley, her husband of thirty-seven years, her best friend, confidant and protector; daughter, Jessica Riley O’Malley (husband, Dan), daughter, Melissa Riley, son, Michael Riley, Jr. (wife, Jessica) and step-daughter, Michelle Griggs (husband, Tony). Also, survived by eight grandchildren, lovingly known as her “grands”, Heather Griggs, Brian, Connor, Kaitlyn, Meghan and Kileigh O’Malley, Leyland Riley, and Elijah Riley. Her father Frank H. Jett, and siblings Marilyn Jett Tate (husband, Tom), Gaynelle Jett Scott (husband, Courtney), and Frank H. Jett, Jr. (wife, Susanna).  Dawn is the well loved aunt of eight nieces and nephews.

She was predeceased by her mother, Evelyn Jett, and brother-in-law, Jeffrey Chewning.

In lieu of flowers, the family requests donations to Advancing Native Missions (ANM), PO Box 5303 Charlottesville, Va.  22905, (540-456-7111).

Visitation will be at Charlton and Groome, 619 Lifecore Drive, Fishersville, VA (540-932-3600) on Friday, March 24 from 6-8pm.  Burial will be private on Saturday morning, March 25 and afterwards a Celebration of Life service will be held at 11am at Christ Community Church at 329 Riverside Ave.  Charlottesville, VA.  22902.

Online condolences can be written online at www.charltongroomefuneralhome.com.

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