Tami-Jo Riley: Faithful. Fierce. Finally Free.

Tami-Jo Riley’s story is a radiant reminder that it’s never too late for a love story—especially the one you write with yourself, and the one that begins when you least expect it.

After walking through seasons of heartbreak, trauma, and deep emotional pain, Tami-Jo found her peace not in another person, but in her faith. It wasn’t until she felt truly whole and content in her singleness—resting in the truth that Jesus was the only one who could ever truly satisfy her soul—that something extraordinary happened. In His perfect timing, God brought her someone unexpected: a man who would reflect the love she had always deserved.

“Never give up on real, true love,” she says. “Sometimes it arrives after you’ve stopped looking—
but right when your heart is finally ready to receive it.”

Hitting her 50s wasn’t a crisis—it was a breakthrough. That’s when Tami-Jo made the bold decision to stop living to please everyone else and instead began to fully embrace her own voice, her own boundaries, and her own joy. There was a quiet but powerful shift: she stopped shrinking to fit others' expectations and began to shine.

If she could talk to her younger self, she’d say:

"Don’t settle. If it doesn’t feel right, it probably isn’t. You were made to shine—so never say never."

One of the accomplishments that fills her with the most pride happened nearly two decades ago, when she stepped into a bold new chapter of independence and purchased her own home. As a single woman at the time, it was both a declaration and a promise to herself—I am capable. I am worthy. I can build a life I love.

But it’s the daily faithfulness that defines her. Whether it's serving Jesus, showing up for her close circle of friends, or simply choosing to live with love and integrity, Tami-Jo is devoted to being a woman of peace, strength, and purpose.

Now, with retirement on the horizon, she’s not slowing down—she’s just redefining what “rest” looks like. For her, it means more time with her husband, more space to serve her community, and more opportunities to fully live and love the life she’s been given. Every day God wakes her up is another chance to say yes to joy.

Tami-Jo’s story is about resilience, redemption, and the kind of real love that blooms when you finally stop chasing it and start trusting that it’s already yours. She is the embodiment of what it means to bloom late, but beautifully—and to never give up on the miracle just around the corner.

Are you a woman over 50? We’d love to invite you to join the 50 Over 50 Project! Together we can change the narrative on aging - showing the unique beauty, wisdom and power that can only be attained by living life! CLICK HERE for more information and to join the ProAge movement!