May 19, 1960 - November 26, 2025

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Pamela Jean Tidmore Riley was born on May 19, 1960 in Cincinnati, Ohio to Derry Tidmore Sr. and Anna Ree (Larkin) Tidmore. She grew up in a large and loving family that included six older siblings, endless cousins, aunts, uncles, and eventually many nieces and nephews. These strong family bonds formed a solid foundation for her life.

She learned the importance of staying connected to family members near and far from her mother, who took all of her children down south to visit family every year without fail. In addition to attending family reunions as often as possible and visiting people whenever possible, Pam also made sure all her loved ones got a card at Christmas, on birthdays, and on other special occasions.

Pam was also a dedicated caretaker. As her parents and eventually her siblings and friends dealt with serious illnesses, she gave them endless energy and support, even when she herself felt depleted.

Pam’s childhood and teenage years were spent growing up in the Price Hill and Bond Hill communities. She attended Woodward High School, graduating in 1978, then University of Cincinnati from 1978 to 1980. Pam was popular for her beauty, outgoing nature, and a laugh that was full of life. As a teenager and young woman she was always with friends, many she remained close to for the rest of her life. She and her crew were always the ones people wanted to be around, especially when she rocked an afro that had friends calling her Chaka Khan.

In 1984 Pamela married Kelvin Riley. A couple of years later they welcomed their son Brandon Riley into the world. Though she and Kelvin eventually separated, they continued to co-parent their son and celebrated the joy of becoming grandparents together when Joshua Riley was born. Pam embraced being a grandmother with her whole being, lovingly accepting the title of GrandPam.

Pamela had a strong spiritual upbringing. Her father was one of the founding members of Saint Mark A.M.E. Zion Church and her mother was a member of New Hope Missionary Baptist Church. After her mother passed, she became a member of New Hope and has supported the church’s mission. Illness kept her from attending in later years, yet her faith remained strong. She read from the Bible almost daily and spent many mornings deepening her understanding of the Word.

Pamela’s professional career was wide ranging; from marketing to community organizing to event management to early childhood education, she excelled in a variety of fields. She always emerged as a skilled leader whose talent at organization inspired and impressed her coworkers. She knew how to manage people in a way that empowered them, helped them grow, and made them feel seen.

This experience plus her passion and compassion led her to a position at Graceworks Lutheran Services where for over a decade she managed a residential home for adults with intellectual and developmental disabilities. There she worked with a team of dedicated caretakers to ensure all the residents (whom she affectionately called “The Ladies”) lived life to the fullest. The job gave her great joy and she truly enjoyed working with her staff and managers, some of whom became like family.

We all, her friends and family and other loved ones, are deeply saddened by her loss. We find comfort in knowing she was received into the next life by those who passed on before: Her parents, Derry and Anna Ree; brothers, Joseph, Derry Jr., and Jimmie; sisters, Minnie Dillard, Marjorie Tidmore Bradford, and Ella Tidmore; a niece, Roxanne Tidmore; a host of beloved cousins; dearly loved friends.

She leaves to cherish her memory her son Brandon Riley and grandson Joshua Riley; stepdaughter Timeka Riley and her children Davon and Jalen; nephews, Jeffrey Rogers, Derry Christopher Tidmore, Kevin Tidmore, Louis Dillard, James Dillard Jr., and Tyrone Dillard; nieces, Josette Tidmore Patton, Angela Johnson, Regina Goodlow, Shirley Tidmore, Michelle Sivels, Ann Sledge, and Kimberley T. Bradford; plus host of great nieces, nephews and cousins.