Dawn Elaine Jett Riley was born April 28, 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. 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, 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), Box 5303 Charlottesville, VA 22905, (540-456-7111).
A celebration of life service was held in Charlottesville on March 25. Online condolences can be written online at charltongroomefuneralhome.com.
