Diane Breeden Rilee

It is with great sadness that we announce the passing of Diane Breeden Rilee, our beloved Mom/Nan/Lil’ Nan, on May 13, 2026. She was surrounded by family as she peacefully departed this world. Diane was born in Charlottesville, Virginia, on May 5, 1942. She was married for 65 years to her high school sweetheart, Robert Jeffries (Jeff) Rilee, who preceded her in death. She was a loving mom to daughter, Elizabeth (Beth) Rilee Kelley (Paul) and son, Robert Jeffries (Jeffrey) Rilee, Jr., and grandmother to four beautiful grandchildren who were some of her biggest fans: Breeden Kelley Browning (Matt), Paul Thomasson Kelley, Jr. (Samantha), Harlow Rilee Foster (Tyler), and Travis Lucas Haurand (Jennifer). She was proud of her eight remarkable great-grandchildren and enjoyed hearing about their accomplishments and antics. She is survived by two sisters, Pamela Breeden Taran and Janie Breeden Dzula (Larry) and many other beloved family members. Diane was also preceded in death by her parents, Georgie Breeden Marston and Raymond Eugene Breeden, and her son, Robert Jeffries (Jeffrey) Rilee, Jr. When Diane moved to rural King and Queen County as a teenager, it was culture shock for this self-proclaimed city girl. She missed her Maryland life and never got over watching the birth of a calf just outside the kitchen window of her new home while having breakfast. We understand the cow event prompted yet another desperate plea to move back to her city home. Diane graduated from Pleasant Hill High School and while there, met her beloved country boy, Jeff. They fell in love, married and began raising a family. It was official. The city girl had finally grown to love her rural home. Diane worked in administration at both York Academy and Rappahannock Community College before joining Riverside Walter Reed Hospital in Gloucester in 1977. She eventually became the Director of Volunteer Services and manager of The Daffodil, the hospital’s popular gift shop. Following her retirement from Riverside in 2008, Diane realized her dream of owning a retail boutique and opened Divin’ Off the Dock in West Point, Virginia, with her two sisters as partners. Her little shop was her pride and joy and she enjoyed working there until her second retirement in 2020. Diane always encouraged her family to enjoy life and especially wanted her grands to have “big fun”. To that end, she shared their love of jumping in mud puddles, fearlessly riding roller coasters and always searching for the best seashells on the beach…together. We will miss our Lil’ Nan. The family extends their gratitude to all medical staff and caregivers over the years for the loving care and support. We are eternally grateful for you. The family will receive friends 5 p.m. to 7 p.m. on Wednesday, May 27th at Vincent Funeral Home, 417 11th Street, West Point, Virginia. In lieu of flowers, donations can be made to the West Point YMCA, P.O. Box 1526, West Point, VA 23181 or Poroporone Baptist Church, PO Box 400, Shacklefords, VA 23156.

Diane Breeden Rilee

May 5, 1942 - May 13, 2026