Joriece Riley Spurlock, age of 73, Branson, Missouri

Joriece Riley Spurlock passed peacefully in her sleep on December 30th, 2022 at the age of 73. Joriece was born in 1949 to Marvin and Ernestine Riley in Hollister, MO, the second of 2 children and younger sister to Marvin Gale. Joriece married Lonnie Spurlock and had 2 sons, Lonnie Gale and William Riley.

Joriece became a teacher of special education earning her masters degree while teaching and raising two children. She took her work seriously and was well-respected in her field, often training other teachers, serving on and leading boards and educational associations all while teaching children with special needs. Joriece was not afraid of a challenge and moved from Missouri to Alaska not once but twice to pursue her teaching career in the Great White North. 

Joriece was a great friend to many people throughout her life, maintaining several decades-long friendships right up until the end. Anyone who spent time with Joriece knew she was particular, detail-oriented, and loved chocolate. Joriece lived on her own terms throughout her whole life. 

She was preceded in death by her parents, Ernestine and Marvin Riley; and brother, Marvin Gale. She is survived by her sons, Lonnie Gale of Heber Springs, AR and Riley of Hollister, MO, and her four grandchildren, Jacob, Winnie, Lex, and Daisy. 

A time of visitation will be held on Tuesday, January 10, 2023 from 4:00 -5:00 p.m.  in Snapp-Bearden Funeral Home and Crematory, Branson.  Interment will be in Gobblers Knob Cemetery, Hollister at a later date.

Snapp-Bearden Funeral Home and Crematory

1638 East State Highway 76

Branson, Missouri 65616

Telephone – 417-334-3670

Fax – 417-336-3670