Biography:

Eva Park Riley of Little Rock, Arkansas, died on April 7, 2026, surrounded by her loving family. She lived a beautiful and meaningful life defined by love, creativity, and grace. Eva was born on October 31, 1943, in Memphis, Tennessee, to Neil Hamill Park and Lois Linebarier Park.

Eva graduated high school from Milwaukee-Downer College. She later earned a B.S. in Fine Arts from Pratt Institute in New York, where she developed her passion for interior design and refined the artistic sensibility that would define her career. She began her professional career at Blass Architectural Firm before opening her own business, Eva Park Riley Interiors, where her eye for beauty and thoughtful design enriched countless homes.

Eva shared a remarkable life with her husband, James Cooper Riley Sr. By pure happenstance, they met when Cooper was house sitting for the neighbors and knocked on her door. That meeting led to a 51-year marriage rooted in friendship and love. Together they built a home filled with warmth, laughter, and unwavering devotion, creating countless memories for their family.

Eva loved being a Halloween baby and thoroughly enjoyed celebrating that day with her birthday club. She had a gift for making people feel comfortable and included. Her kind heart and genuine smile left a lasting impression on everyone she met. She was deeply loyal to those she loved, and her warmth and affection defined her relationships. One of her proudest moments in life was when she became a Mimi. It always brought her joy to spend time with her grandchildren, whether that time was spent sharing her artistic talent teaching crafts, baking, watching them compete or perform, or spending time at the beach. She also loved a good book, a competitive game of bridge, a New York Times crossword, and needlepointing. She was a member of The Aesthetic Club, the Junior League of Little Rock, and the Chamber Music Society. She was also a long-time member of St. Mark’s Episcopal Church.

Eva was preceded in death by her husband James Cooper Riley Sr and her parents Neil and Lois Linebarier Park. She is survived by her daughter, Elizabeth Riley Selzer and her husband, Doug, of Dallas, Texas; her son, Cooper Riley Jr. and his wife, Melissa, of Little Rock, Arkansas; and five grandchildren—Alan and Riley Selzer, Olivia, Rachel, and Sarah Cooper Riley. She is also survived by her sisters, Jane Park Batton (Bob) of Searcy and Anne Park of Little Rock.

A service celebrating Eva’s life will be held at St. Mark’s Episcopal Church on April 21^st at 10:00 am.
In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to St. Mark’s Episcopal Church, 1000 North Mississippi St., Little Rock, AR 72207. Arrangements are under the direction of RuebelFuneralHome.com