Laura Elizabeth Stevens Riley

Laura Elizabeth Stevens Riley, 89 years old, of Summerville, SC, passed away peacefully on December 30th, 2025.  She was born on January 13th, 1936, on Chincoteague Island, Virginia, to the late John W. Cherrix and Ruby Johnson Cherrix.  She was their only child.

Laura Elizabeth was preceded in death by her husband of 43 years, Jefferson Floyd Stevens, Jr., and her husband of 21 years, Donald Luther Riley.  

One daughter-in-law, 51 years old, Deborah (Debbie) W. Stevens.  

One granddaughter, a baby, Melanie Stevens. 

She was a cafeteria worker for 32 years at Chincoteague Elementary School in Accomack County.   

She was well known for her homemade yeast rolls and fresh-baked goods.  She loved cooking delicious meals for her family, and she would gladly share her recipes, but no one has been able to figure out her secret ingredient.  We now know it was “Love”. ❤️

She truly enjoyed spending time with her children and grandchildren, sharing stories about her childhood, what it was like growing up on Chincoteague, and its rich history.  

Laura Elizabeth was a wonderful wife, loving mother, and grandmother.  She loved her family with all her heart, and there was nothing she wouldn’t do for you.  

She is survived by her son, Ronald James Stevens (Ronnie) and Mary Temple; son Jefferson Floyd Stevens III (Stevie) and Mark; daughter Ruby Stevens Nelson (Ruby Etta) and Mark; and son Gregory Wayne Stevens (Greg) and Rosemary. 

Her eleven grandchildren -Amanda Stevens, Stephanie Stevens Taylor, Jeffrey Stevens, Donald Stevens, James Stevens, Michael Hickman, William Hickman, Courtney Nelson Frye, Brittany Stevens Robinson, Stephen Matherly, and Jonathan Matherly.

Her nineteen great-grandchildren: Annie, Gene Wayne, Jeffrey, Christian, Bronson, Kaelin, Daniel, Destin, Trinity, Jaedin, Kimber, Kristen, J.R., Makaela, T.J., Colin, Joshua, Jace, and Liam.  

Her seven great-great-grandchildren- Easton, Ryder, Katherine, Kira, Emryn, Toby, and Beau.  

She also leaves behind caregivers and friends who will miss her smile and humor.  

Funeral service will be held at 2 pm on Monday, January 5th, 2026, at Union Baptist Church, 6365 Church Street, Chincoteague Island, Virginia.  Viewing will be from 1 pm to 2 pm.  Pastor Starr Johnson will officiate.  Burial will follow in the Downing Cemetery, Oak Hall, Virginia. 

Pallbearers will be her grandsons, Michael Hickman, William Hickman, Jeffrey Stevens, Donald Stevens, James Stevens, and Jonathan Matherly.

 Condolences may be sent to the family at www.salyerfh.com. Services entrusted to Salyer Funeral Home, 6327 Church Street, Chincoteague, VA 23336

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