Neila Whitlock

Neila Kathryn Riley Whitlock, 94, of Columbia, SC, died peacefully at home on April 24, 2015, surrounded by loving family members. Born in Orangeburg, SC, Neila was the daughter of Furman Harold Riley and Kathryn Gramling Riley. She was preceded in death by her beloved husband of 61 years, Raymond Giroud Whitlock, her parents, her sister Marjorie Shuler, and her granddaughter Diane Stone-Douglas. Neila is survived by her two brothers: Dr. Wells Riley of Jonesboro, GA and Furman Riley (Karen) of Reston, VA; her four children Kathryn Scarborough (Robert) of North, SC, Ray Whitlock, Jr. (Pat) of Irmo, SC, Nancy Whitlock (Jonathan Gieseler) of Columbia, SC, and Susan Hartnett (Timothy) of Lexington, SC. Neila is also survived by eight grandchildren: Raymond Whitlock III (Angie) of Columbia, SC, Linda Barfield (Howard) of Aiken, SC, Brian Rice (Tracey) of Cocoa, FL, Bryan Smith (Amanda) of Pittsburgh, PA, Virginia Hausem (Charles) of Copperas Cove, TX, Laura Howard (Brian) of Florence, SC, Alexander Cullen Bryant (Katherine) of Columbia, SC, Cameron Hartnett (Ashley) of Lexington, SC. She was especially blessed with fifteen great-grandchildren and two great-great grandchildren. A 1941 graduate of Columbia College, Neila taught music in the Spartanburg, SC public schools and served many years as organist of Morningside Baptist Church. As an avid flower gardener, musician and grammarian, Neila loved reading, playing the piano and organ, knitting, and keeping up with her large and loving family. The family extends their love and gratitude to the very special women who helped care for Neila throughout her final years: Pamela Anderson, Michell Holmes and her wonderful assistant Bella, Sandy Koshar, Cyndi Myers, Diana Millner, Kimberly McLemore, Carolyn Addison, Donielle Sweatt, Robin Hall, and Theresa Hancock. Services will be held on Monday, April 27 at 11:00 a.m. at Floyd's Greenlawn Chapel, 2075 E. Main Street, Spartanburg, SC, with visitation at 10:00 a.m. Reverend Brian Howard will be officiating. Burial will be in the adjoining Greenlawn Memorial Gardens. Memorials may be made to Morningside Baptist Church, 897 S Pine St, Spartanburg, SC 29302. Floyd's Greenlawn Chapel To send flowers or a memorial gift to the family of Neila Riley Whitlock please visit our Sympathy Store.