RILEY HERMAE EPLEY
PANSEY… Riley Hermae Epley, a resident of Pansey, passed away April 20, 2026, at Children’s Hospital in Birmingham, Alabama. She was 22 days old.
A memorial visitation will be held at 2:00 P.M. Sunday, April 26, 2026, at Wright Funeral Home and Crematory Chapel. Wright Funeral Home & Crematory is in charge of the arrangements.
Riley Epley was born on March 29, 2026, at Southeast Health in Dothan, Alabama, to Donald Adam Epley and Alyson Bray Chudzik.
Though her time here was brief, Riley brought an immeasurable light into the lives of all who loved her. She was the first daughter, granddaughter, and great-granddaughter—a precious and long-awaited blessing. Riley defied all expectations, as no one believed she would be a girl. She became the first girl of her generation and the last on her father’s side, making her arrival even more extraordinary.
Riley was her father’s twin in every way, a reflection of his spirit and presence from the very beginning.
In an act of profound love and selflessness, Riley became a hero. She donated her heart to save the life of a four-month-old baby boy in Ohio—a miracle made even more remarkable given the challenges of blood type compatibility. During this process, it was discovered that Riley had AB-negative blood, one of the rarest blood types in the world, found in only about 1% of the global population. Doctors shared that it could have taken months to find a suitable donor, if at all—but because of Riley, that precious life was saved.
Riley’s personality shined brightly even in her short time here. She had two special nicknames that captured her spirit. Her mother lovingly called her “my little fish,” because she made sweet fish faces and wiggled like a fish out of water. Her aunt gave her the nickname “Poobin,” a name that will forever bring smiles through tears.
Riley’s life, though short, was filled with purpose, love, and a legacy that will live on forever. She will always be remembered as a miracle, a fighter, and a gift beyond measure.
Leaving to cherish her memories are her parents; her brother, Braylon Epley; her grandparents, Hollie Hobbs “Grandma”, Robert and Haley Chudzik “Gramps and Mamaw”, and Erica and Ben Drew “Nini and Grumpy”.
WRIGHT FUNERAL HOME & CREMATORY
Phone 334-6WE-CARE (693-2273)
www.wrightfuneralhomeandcrematory.com
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