Carol Sneed Sethness Riley, 77, of St Mary's, GA, passed away peacefully at her home on Wednesday, November 22, 2023, after a year long battle with cancer.

Carol was born on September 8, 1946, in Ft Lauderdale, Florida, to Ralph Edward Sethness and Barbara Robinson Sethness. She grew up in Ft Lauderdale, FL, and then attended college at Auburn University in Alabama where she graduated in 1967. She met her college sweetheart, Dan Lance Riley, at Auburn and they married in September 1967. During their 56 year marriage, Carol and Dan enjoyed a fulfilling and adventurous life together traveling extensively throughout the US and the world. Carol touched and enriched the lives of many students throughout her over 30 year teaching career. Carol's friends are too many to count, as she always made friends easily.  Her faith and beautiful smile, positive outlook on life, and adventurous spirit touched the lives of not only her family and friends, but also anyone she met, including strangers.  Carol was a teacher, who always had a spark for life, loved nature, and was well travelled.  She had a passion for being active and loved fitness, working out at the gym, walking, running, hiking, biking, swimming, and line dancing with her family and friends, many times multiple times a day. She loved to watch the sunrises and sunsets and take picnic lunches everywhere.  She was enamored at the sight of the beach and the waves and loved swimming in the ocean. She embraced every moment of every day with excitement and adventure! Carol's instinct was to take care of others.  She would keep in touch with family and friends who were struggling or were ill by calling them, sending a note or a card, or bringing  them a little gift, some hot tea, ginger, or even some soup.  She always had a caring nature and a joy about herself, and people were drawn to her throughout her travels. She was active in several faith groups and book clubs as well. All who knew Carol were touched by her kindness, generosity and positive attitude, outlook on life. Her faith in God was an important part of her life.

Carol is survived by her husband, Dan Riley, Daughter, Amy (Toby) Marshall, a Son, Lance (Debbie) Riley. Grandchildren, Nathan and Max Marshall. Siblings, Dee Terry, Eddie (Joyce) Sethness and Judi Dolan.

Carol was preceded in death by her parents Ralph and Barbara Sethness.

A Celebration of Life will be held on Monday, December 4, 2023 at 2:00 pm at the First Presbyterian Church in St. Marys, GA.

Allison Memorial Chapel is in charge of arrangements.