Eloise Ozburn Riner
Eloise Ozburn Riner, 85, of Chamblee, died Friday, Nov. 2, 2012, at her residence.
Mrs. Riner was born in Monticello to the late Emory Newt Ozburn and Ella Gladys Hodge Ozburn. She played basketball at Monticello High School; after graduation, she attended Greenleaf Business School in Atlanta where she continued playing basketball, and graduated in 1947. After graduation from business school, she worked for Atlantic Coastline Railroad, Jones and Laughlin Steel Corporation, and Chicago Bridge and Iron Company.
She met her husband on a blind date at the Varsity and married in 1957. After marriage, she became a homemaker, a devoted wife and mother. She helped her husband with his photography business, Hewett Studios, and her brother at C.E. Ozburn Battery Company in Atlanta. She loved all types of sports, enjoyed watching her children and grandchildren play sports while in school and was an avid Braves fan.
She loved to make Brunswick stew and share it with her family and friends. Being raised with four brothers taught her how to not be afraid to try any activity on her own. She loved to ride through the country roads, pastures, and creeks with her son on his four-wheeler. Her loving husband, DuPree Lofton Riner, died in 2005. She was also preceded in death by her brothers, Edwin Ozburn, Melvin Ozburn, and John Lee “J.L.” Ozburn.
Survivors include her children and their spouses, Cindy and Jeff McKnight of Lilburn, Eric and Kathy Riner of Lawrenceville, and Scott and Elana Riner of Dacula; grandchildren, Brad and Crystal McKnight, Todd and Henley McKnight, Andrew Riner, Natalie Riner, Taylor Sparacino, and Madison Sparacino; great-grandchild, Cole McKnight; and brother, Lanier Ozburn of Monticello.
Graveside services were held Tuesday, Nov. 6, 2012, at 11 a.m. at West View Cemetery in Monticello; Rev. Charles Roper officiated.
Pallbearers were Danny Ozburn, Chuck Ozburn, Taylor Sparacino, Todd McKnight, Brad McKnight, and Andrew Riner.
“The celebration of life” service will be held this Saturday, Nov. 10, 2012, at 10:30 a.m. at Embry Hills United Methodist Church, 3304 Henderson Mill Road, Atlanta, GA 30341. Rev. Elaine Puckett will officiate.
The family suggests in lieu of flowers donations be made to the St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital, P.O. Box 1000, Dept 142, Memphis, Tenn. 38148-0142 or download the memorial and honor gifts form and email donors@stjude.org; or Leukemia and Lymphoma Society, 3715 Northside Parkway, Northwest, Atlanta, GA 30327.
Jordan Funeral Home is in charge of local arrangements. For more information, visit its website at www.jordanfuneralhome monticello.com.