Amy Michelle Riley

Amy Michelle Riley was born on September 19, 1970, to Bonnie Morgan and Carl W. Riley, LCpl, U.S. Marine Corps, in Hearne, Texas. From an early age, family was central to Amy’s life. She proudly became a big sister to her brother, Jeremy. In 1976, she became the daughter of James “Squeaky” Fuchs and once again stepped into the role of big sister, this time to her sister, Jennifer. She carried that title with pride throughout her life.

Amy was raised in Hearne and attended Hearne ISD. She participated in junior high cheer, band and was active in FFA, and showing livestock. During high school, she worked at Sonic in Hearne and shared many memories with her future sister-in-law, Claire — especially joy rides around town in her Pontiac Grand Prix

She graduated from Hearne High School in 1989 and earned her Licensed Vocational Nursing degree from Blinn College in 1990. Amy dedicated 35 years to her career as an LVN, serving at St. Joseph’s Hospital, Calvert Nursing Home, Franklin Nursing Home, and Hearne Nursing Home.

Amy loved genealogy and spent years researching her family history. She traveled to old homesteads and cemeteries, documenting names and dates, often with her six children alongside her. She was a proud member of the Daughters of the American Revolution, having traced her ancestry to relatives who served in the Revolutionary War.

She also had a passion for photography and faithfully documented life through pictures. Her collection of family photographs reflects the deep love she had for her family.

Amy’s greatest achievement in life was becoming a mother. Of all the roles she carried, none meant more to her than being “Mama.” She was the proud and devoted mother of Bethany, Delaney, Emily, Trey, Josh, and Donyelle, and she poured her whole heart into each of them.

Motherhood was not just something Amy did — it was who she was. From soothing nightmares in the middle of the night and kissing countless boo-boos, to entertaining her children while bailing hay under the wide Texas sky, she embraced every moment with love and laughter. She loved to document life’s special moments through her pictures, capturing the smiles, milestones, and everyday memories that meant the most. No matter how busy or tired she may have been, she always showed up.

Though our hearts are heavy, we are thankful for the love, laughter, and memories she leaves behind. She will be deeply missed by her family and friends.

Amy is preceded in death by her fathers, James “Squeaky” Fuchs and Carl W. Riley, and her stepbrother, James Fuchs.

She is survived by her husband, Donald Cooper; her children: Bethany & husband Cole Sprayberry; Delaney & husband Jeremy Mott; Emily & husband Josh Antis; Earnest “Trey” & wife Hannah Winstead; Joshua Amos; Donyelle Cooper; Amanda & husband John Wilson; Melanie & husband Daniel Ditto; and Shelbie & husband Sean Mason. She is also survived by her mother, Bonnie Fuchs, and stepfather, Billy Joe McCleney; her brother, Jeremy & wife Claire Riley; her sister, Jennifer & husband Nick Spencer; and her stepbrother, Johnny Fuchs.

She leaves behind her nieces, Alyce and Morgan Riley; nephews, Collin and Caleb Fuchs; grandchildren, Sadie, Addilyn, Hannah, Reagan, Josie, Amberleigh, Branson, Madisyen, Jaxon, Cooper, and Tyler; and Great-Granddaughter, Whitley.