Mary “Cathy” Gonser Riley, 74, of Jacksonville & Kinston, NC passed away on May 3, 2023 at Carolina East Medical Center in New Bern, NC.
Cathy was born December 17, 1948, to the late William A. and Neyle Rose Gonser. Cathy worked as a Drug & Alcohol Counselor for the Naval Air Station in Sigonella, Sicily for 6 years; and then at Brynn Marr Hospital as an intake Mental Health Counselor in Jacksonville until her retirement.
She enjoyed collecting a variety of things, but especially ladybugs, M+Ms, and owls. She cherished her time with her family, especially her grandkids and great-grandchildren.
Cathy is survived by her husband of 37 years, George P. Riley; her children: Wendy (Marty) Lawler, Dawn Thaxton (Michael Jones), William Thaxton (Carla Rhodes); her grandchildren: Mitchell (Betsie) Lawler, Kelleigh Lawler, Tabitha Perry (Christian Edwards), Jennifer (Nathan) Maynard, Courtney (David) Campbell, Cody Jones, Campbell Thaxton, Bella Thaxton, Alex Rhodes; her great-grandchildren: Owen, Ruby, Charlie, Noah, Lillian, Aaliyah, Bentlee, River, and Ryder; her brother, William (Anne) Gonser & their children, Heather, Drew, and Lisa, along with their families.
She also leaves numerous honorary great-grand and grandchildren— she never met a child she didn’t love.
At her request, burial will be with immediate family only in Jacksonville, NC. In lieu of flowers, donations can be made in her name to the Disabled American Veterans (DAV) foundation.
