Earlene Risby

Mother Earlene Risby, 90, peacefully made her transition to eternal life on January 11, 2024. She was born in Oakland, TN to Mose and Betty Woods on May 16, 1933 where she grew up. She was 1 of 15 children. She met the love of her life, and they wed on January 13, 1953. From this union, they had 6 children.

Mother Risby loved the lord and devoted her life to God in the 50s. She selflessly served many years on the Mother's Board, kitchen committee, and as choir president. She passed her love of God, cooking, serving, and singing to her family. She was well known for her bbq rib and chicken dinner fundraisers where funds assisted in purchasing choir robes and other necessities for the churches she attended.

She loved her family and loved to gather over large dinners she would prepare. She also enjoyed traveling to TN to see her family. Mother Risby was an avid shopper and loved to visit her favorite stores often. However, her most favorite thing was being, "Grandma" to everyone no matter who you were. She would tell people this was her name when introduced to others.

She is proceeded in death by her husband, Deacon James Risby, Jr., her two sons, Michael and Daniel Risby, great-granddaughter, Alarae Brown, parents, Mose and Betty Woods, and 13 siblings.

She is survived by her children: Samuel Risby, Phillip (Cynthia) Risby, Gloria (Benjamin) Blair, and Sandra (Calvin) Guess. Grandchildren: LaVita (Maurice) Farr, D'Shaunn Risby, Ebony (Nikeland) Nichols, Phillip (Michelle) Risby, Jr., Angel (Orlando) Romine, Maria Guess-Cousins, Calvin Guess IV, Kristyn (Jerrell) Williams, LeAnn (Derek) Moultrie. Great-grandchildren: William, Tiara, AJ, Donovan, Michala, Michael, Tavian, Nikaya, Cayci, Nikeland, Christopher, Olivia, Kennedy, Ava, London, Maurice III, Kasia, Jerrae (Jasmine), Jerrell, Mariah, Malyek, Serenity, Lyrek, and Deann. Sister: Betty Ann Woods of TN, and sister-in-love, Annie Mae Woods of TN. Granddogs: Princess, Prince, Griffin, and Seven. She also leaves a host of nieces, nephews, cousins, and other relatives.

Mother Risby left a big impact on all she encountered. Her legacy will continue to live on through her family, and all of you.

The family wishes to extend their gratitude to Dr. Pramila Parajuli and the Barberton Citizens Hospital hospice staff (special thanks to Melodi, Amber, Ashley, and Myriah).

Condolences to can sent to Sandra Guess at 667 Sparrow Way Wadsworth, OH 44281.

Family and friends are invited to visit at Liberty Tabernacle (475 Frank Ave., Barberton, OH 44203) on Saturday, January 27, 2024 from 10am until the time her funeral service begins at 11am. Pastor Phillip Risby will officiate and Pastor Samuel Risby will eulogize. Burial will follow the funeral service at Glendale Cemetery.

To share a memory of Earlene or to leave a special message for her family, please visit the guestbook below.