Dateline:Robersonville, NC

March 22, 2026 – September 18, 2026

With great sadness we announce the unexpected passing of River Michael Briley, infant son of Megan Elizabeth Briley, and Cameron Michael Briley.

River Michael Briley, was born on March 22, 2026, in Greenville NC and brought an immeasurable amount of love, happiness, and light into the lives of everyone blessed to know him. River passed away unexpectedly due to Sudden Infant Death Syndrome (SIDS) on September 18, 2026, just four days before he would have celebrated his six-month birthday.

Though his time on earth was far too short, River filled those nearly six months with more love and happiness than a lifetime could ever measure. River was the happiest baby you could ever meet. He was always smiling, laughing, and watching the world around him with his bright, observant eyes. He was so active and determined, always rolling over, trying to sit up, and taking in everything happening around him. He had a way of looking at anyone who caught his attention and immediately giving them the sweetest smile.

River was a true mama’s boy. He wanted his Mommy whenever he was upset or simply wanted to be held, and he would stop crying almost instantly when she picked him up. He loved being held close and would grab onto his mom tightly and lay his head underneath her chin. He shared an incredibly special bond with his Daddy. His dad could always make him laugh, and River loved playing with him, being lifted high into the air, and jumping on the bed together. Some of his happiest moments were simply spent playing with his Daddy.

River loved the little things that made his world special. He loved bath time and splashing his little feet in the water. He loved going for walks in his stroller, visiting the aquarium and zoo, and playing in the pool. He loved his fuzzy blue blanket, his little bear stuffed animal, and his favorite bouncer. He especially loved wearing his little Carhartt onesies. He was also quite the little character. River would blow bubbles with his tongue, stick his tongue out, and then laugh. His favorite foods included sweet potatoes, mashed potatoes, pears, and refried beans.

One of the sweetest loves in River’s life was his puppy, Banks, who was named after a river bank in his memory. Banks would stay right beside River, and River loved sitting with him and playing with his ears. Their bond was precious, and the memories of the two of them together will forever be treasured.

One memory Mommy will hold especially close to her heart is the night River passed away. As she was trying to put her sweet baby boy to sleep, he laughed and smiled at her. Every time she held him, he would grab her tightly and lay his head underneath her chin. Every morning when Daddy left for work, River would crawl into bed with Mommy, and the two of them would cuddle and go back to sleep. Those quiet mornings together were among the many precious moments that Mommy will carry in her heart forever. River was deeply loved by his entire family. He leaves behind his loving Mommy and Daddy, who cherished every moment they were blessed to have with their precious son. 

.He is survived by his grandfather, Michael Briley, whom he was named after and shared such a special bond with; his maternal grandmother, Lisa Danielle Blowe; his aunts Carson Briley, Sophie Briley, Alicia Bateman, April Eure, and Dawn Roberson; his uncles Justin Eure, Robbie Briley, and Chris Scott; his cousins Brandon Riddick, Cole Eure, Ashton Eure, and Logan Roberson; and his great-grandparents T.C. Eure and Regina Godwin, along with many other loving family members and friends.

River was preceded in death by his grandmother, Lori Briley, his daddy’s mother, whom his family knows could not wait to finally hold her precious grandson; his maternal grandfather, Larry Bill Bailey; and his cousin, Ryan Scott.

River may have only been with us for nearly six months, but in those six months, he changed the lives of everyone who knew and loved him. He gave his Mommy and Daddy a love they never knew existed and brought a happiness into their lives that will remain with them forever. Mommy and Daddy love you forever, sweet baby boy. You gave us enough joy raising you in the short six months to last us until we meet again.

Until we meet again, our precious River. You will forever be our baby boy. Your smile, your laugh, your little tongue bubbles, your tight hugs, and the feeling of your head resting underneath our chins will live in our hearts forever. You were here for such a short time, sweet baby, but you left a lifetime of love behind.

Fly high, sweet River. Until Mommy and Daddy can hold you again. 🪽🤍

The family will receive friends on Wednesday, September 23, 2026 from 6:00 PM untill 7:30 PM AT Walker Funeral Home, Williamston, and other times at thre home on Bear Grass Road in Robersonville.

A Celebration of River's Life will be held on Thursday, September 24, 2026 1:00 PM at Macedonia Christian Church, of Williamston with Reverend Greg Sexton officiating.

Online condolences may be directed to: www.walkerfh.net

Wallker Funeral Home, of Williamston, is honored to serve the Briley family.