January 19, 1989 ~ April 29, 2016
Elizabeth “Liz” Jessie Lynn Riley, age 27, of Indianapolis, Ind. died on Friday, April 29, 2016 after a long battle with cancer. She passed with her friends and family by her side. Liz was born on January 19, 1989 to Robert and Deborah (Lockwood) Rogers.
Liz was a beautiful baby. While young she was treated for retinoblastoma, which is a cancer that affected her vision. She valiantly fought and beat that cancer, then went on to become a beautiful, exceptionally smart young girl full of joy, hope and energy.
She attended the Indiana School for the Blind as well as Noblesville High School. While a student at ISB she was cast to act in “Elizabeth’s Story”, a blind instructional video still used and sold by the American Printing House for the blind. She also participated in wrestling, singing, playing musical instruments and acting in school plays.
She studied with the Jehovah’s Witnesses and earned the distinction to be a non-baptized publisher. She was an avid reader, poet, storyteller and writer. She wrote two books and several pieces of poetry. Other interests she had included family gatherings, gardening and visiting with friends. She devoted much of her time and energy as a mother to doing kind deeds for her children and others, including baking and making blankets.
In 2005 she met Jarron Riley and feel deeply in love. On March 25, 2006 they were married in Berion County, MI. She has three adorable and much loved children, Hulian, age 10, Hezekiah, age 7 and Baiah, age 4. She is also survived her husband, Jarron; father, Robert K. Rogers and mother, Deborah A. Rogers; brothers, Joshua and Justin Johnson; step-brother, Kaleb; various grandparents, cousins, nieces and nephews, in laws and many friends.
Despite being blind, she never let anything stop her and her rooted personality caused many friends to seek her out for advice.
Visitation will be on Friday, May 6, 2016 from 12:00 p.m. until the time if the service at 1:00 p.m. at Legacy Cremation & Funeral Services – Lawrence, 5215 N. Shadeland Ave., Indianapolis. Donations in Liz’s memory can be made to the family to help with final expenses. Envelopes will be available at the funeral home or you can log onto celebratelizriley.wix.com/lizriley to make a donation.
May each of you find courage to face tomorrow as you rest in the knowledge that we truly care about each of your needs and that we will be here to walk beside you in your journey of grief.
Eddie Beagles and the staff of Legacy Cremation & Funeral Services
Your family has been on our minds and in our hearts during this time of transition of Liz’s journey to heaven. She goes on the wings of an angel spurred on by tremendous love for her, one of my daughter’s dearest friends and loved by so many. Actually she was an angel for many years before April 29. Now she will watch over you. Rest in peace Liz! Heaven has KFC, lots of it. Warm regards, Lillian Newman, Cecily’s mom
Our Two Angels – with love to Liz and Stephanie
Your wings were ready – and so you flew,
to a life without pain,
and a body new.
Spirits so gifted, hearts so aflame
were needed in Heaven
He called you by name.
We miss you and always will hold deep inside
the love that we shared,
the tears we have cried.
We mourn for the silence which once held your laughter
we mourn for the loss
in our lives ever after.
For you, we rejoice- as you walk with our King!
Down streets paved with gold,
as the sweet Angels sing.
The earth can not hold
those with souls pure and deep
You’re still here beside us
protecting His sheep.
We cling to the promise of our second story,
when on that great day
we will meet you in Glory.
The beauty you left us
shall not be forgot.
Though your wings were ready
our hearts were not.
Jan Bresson-Rogers step-mom to Liz Mother to Stephanie 1984-2004
Correct link to Liz’s celebration page is http://celebratelizriley.wix.com/lizriley
I just loved Liz so much and to know her name was Jessie Lynn is so special. I certain she didnt like that name but it sure is cute.