Mrs. Helen Marie Tomlinson, age 83, passed from this life on Oct. 26, 2017 at Lima Memorial Health Systems.

Mrs. Tomlinson was born on February 1, 1934 in Richmond, Kentucky to the union of Grant Collins and Emma (Hocker) Collins; her father and mother are deceased.

She was united in holy matrimony to the late Alexander Riley Sr. on January 16, 1953. To this union eight children were born.  She married Andrew Lee Tomlinson on September 13, 1986, who preceded her in death.

Mrs. Tomlinson went into the workforce as a domestic worker and childcare provider.  She also worked at the Lima Girl Scout Council working as a Field Aide. She was a great mom and loved her family dearly, she always looked after the elderly neighbors even while caring for eight children, and she was a friend to many.  She had the privilege of going to Oral Roberts University where she was taught seed faith living for three days. She came to know the Lord at Greater Christ Temple, at the age of 36 years old, where she taught Sunday School, she became a noon day prayer warrior. She is a pass choir member and pass servant as Elder at other churches she attended.  She loved to teach the bible with emphasis on finance and giving. She was a member of         In-Faith Ministries.  She was a Gold Circle Member of the Veterans of Foreign Wars.  She was so happy when she completed her GED.

She leaves to cherish her precious memory A son Steven R. Riley of Lima, OH, 5 daughters: Helena “Alexis” Riley, Brenda J. Wilbert  (Samuel) both of Lima, Avis L. Stubblefield (Joe) of Kent, WA., Sharon D. Thompson (Tony) of Gadsden, AL., Vickie J. Riley of Arlington, TX., and Step-daughter, Andrella “Kaye” Isaak (Carl) of Pittsburgh, PA. 

Sons of the heart Chester Shurelds, Aaron Clemons, and Ross Johnson, 15 grand children, 38 great grand children, 6 great-great grand children, 1 step granddaughter.

A host of nieces, nephews other relatives and friends who will deeply miss her.

She was preceded in death by a daughter; Beverly “Diane” Riley, a son Alexander Riley Jr.  4 sisters: Anna F. Hale, Priscilla Smith, Sallie M. Hill, Carolyn L. Collins.  3 brothers: Grant W. Collins, Jasper D Collins, Raymond Collins and Douglas Collins

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