Alpha Elizabeth Riley was the eldest of six children. With a father who "took to the drink" and was absent more than he was home, her childhood wasn't easy. She was forced to leave school early and go to work in a cigar factory in Ybor City. She later worked as a telephone operator in Tampa and went to vocational school.

While working in an attorney's office in Brooksville, FL, she met her husband, Norton Keathley. They had six children, and she was always ready with a song or a poem to amuse the little ones as she went about household chores. The "Keathley Kids" learned early that there were rules and manners and she had a convincing way of letting them know they weren't to be ignored! The family was always together for the evening meal, presided over by Alpha and Norton, and members shared their laughter, hopes, trials and tribulations.

During WW II, Alpha and Norton opened their home to their daughters and grandchildren whose fathers were away at war, as was their son. After Norton died, Alpha became active in the Presbyterian church as a member of the Women's Circle and helped in the kindergarten department.

On November 1, 1976, at the age of 84, she attended Circle Meeting at the church, shared the left over cookies with neighbors, and died suddenly of a heart attack. She was truly our matriarch and her wisdom and kindness are still missed, these many years later.