Willa Ruth Riley Cain

Willa Ruth Riley Cain, age 87, went to her Heavenly home on Sunday, April 18, 2021. Born in Nash County, NC on September 28, 1933, she was the daughter of the late Willard Buist Riley and Effie Ruth Joyner Riley. She was also preceded in death by her husband of 54 years, Innis Alton Cain; her brother, Willard Dennis Riley; and her brothers-in-law, Willie Eugene “Boe” Patterson and Wallace Calvin Mosley.

Ruth was a beautiful example of joy and friendship to those around her. Her love of music was discovered at a young age when she started taking piano lessons. Ruth promised her father she would use her talent for the Lord, and she served faithfully as pianist for Calvary Baptist Church for more than 40 years. Ruth sang with the Calvary Trio with her sister Daphine in her early years and enjoyed singing in the Arts Center Chorus and church choir. She was a friend at all times. Ruth nurtured friendships through school where she graduated from Rocky Mount Senior High School, church, bridge clubs, ladies Bible studies, and where she worked at Social Security Administration for 33 years. Ruth also loved generously and shared her time and resources willingly.

Ruth leaves a loving family to cherish her memory, her daughter, Lisa Lamm and husband, Kim; her grandsons, Stephen Lamm and wife, Alex and Jeremy Lamm; her great-grandson, Caleb Stephen Lamm; her sisters, Daphine Bowles and husband, Joe, Annette Patterson, and Joan Mosley; and many nieces and nephews.

A Funeral Service to celebrate Ruth’s life will be held on Thursday, April 22, 2021 at 3:00 PM at Calvary Baptist Church, 505 S. Englewood Drive, Rocky Mount, NC 27804 with Pastor Brandon Dees officiating. Entombment will follow the service at Rocky Mount Memorial Park Chapel on the Hill Mausoleum. A visitation will be from 1:30 PM to 2:30 PM prior to the service in the foyer of Calvary Baptist Church.

During the COVID-19 pandemic, the family is requesting the need for social distancing and wearing of masks due to health concerns faced around our nation at this time.

Ruth loved her church family and they loved her. Anyone wishing to make memorials in her memory may be sent to Calvary Baptist Church, 505 Englewood Drive, Rocky Mount, NC 27804.

Arrangements entrusted to Wheeler & Woodlief Funeral Home & Cremation Services, 1130 N. Winstead Avenue, Rocky Mount, NC 27804. You may share memories and condolences with the family by visiting www.wheelerwoodlief.com.