Gail Arnetta Riley's Obituary
Gail Arnetta Riley (1956 - 2025)
Gail Arnetta Riley, proud mother of Veronica; proud aunt to her legion of nieces, nephews, and anyone who enjoyed being loved by her; doting “Gamma” to her fur babies, Nylah Bear and Whitney; and not-so-humble care-ish-taker of some questionable green-ish succulents, transitioned to our ancestral home on Sunday, November 9, 2025.
Gail was born on March 15, 1956 in San Francisco, California to Roy Thomas Riley and Velma Katherine Riley (née Hunter) as the 4th of 5 children. She grew up around SanFrancisco’s Mission and Hunter’s Point. She attended Mission High School graduating a year early to then attend California Polytechnic State University in San Luis Obisbo.. While there, Gail chose to follow Jesus within Christianity and maintained that belief until her passing. In order to be closer to her family, she moved back to San Francisco to continue her education and career.
While back home in San Francisco where she completed her Associate’s degree in Computer Programming. Gail went on to work as a successful Program Analyst within healthcare for more than 25 years before prioritizing the care of her family towards the later part of her career prior to early retirement.
While not in her immediate plans, Gail will say that her mother magic’d a baby into her womb (science questionable) and she gave birth to her favorite daughter, Veronica. Her and Veronica argued whether this was default or true favoritism https://frequently.Their adventures and mis-adventures are known and loved by many; but both will always say one of their most precious blessings are each other.
During her life Gail acquired several hobbies, but nothing compared to her love of plants, gardening, spoiling her grandpups, teasing/laughing with her family and food. She loved to try new dishes, but was blessed with a hyper discerning daughter, so much of her food adventures were done with friends and other family. She consistently said, “No one should ever be denied food” and “Food is how we commune. We ALL gotta eat!”. This went as far as her grand-pups. Gail risked consistent nagging from her daughter to feed “her babies” too many treats. She also enjoyed movies; an eclectic taste in music; card and board games (“fairly” will always be in question); telling stories, and making people laugh. She loved fiercely in all the ways she knew. Gail will be remembered for her dedication to her family, her feisty nature, protectiveness, and joy.
Gail is preceded in death by her loving parents Roy (1997) and Katherine (2006) Riley; sister, Trunetta Riley-Harris (1997); and her brothers, Wrecell James “Bay-Bay” Riley (2017) and Willie “Junior” Doyle (2020). Gail is survived by her only child, Veronica Kathryn Riley, her elder brother, Carlton E. Riley, and a host of nephews and nieces, grand-nephew and nieces, great-grand nephews and nieces, chosen family, and friends. She will be dearly missed, but always loved.
Visitation and time for personal prayer and veneration will be held on Wednesday, November 19th from 12pm - 2pm at Skylawn Memorial Park. Her Homegoing Celebration will be held Friday, November 21st at Skylawn Memorial Park at 9:30am with burial to follow at 11am.
What’s your fondest memory of Gail?
What’s a lesson you learned from Gail?
Share a story where Gail's kindness touched your heart.
Describe a day with Gail you’ll never forget.
How did Gail make you smile?