The Camden native spent 15 years on the freeholder board.
The statement below is by Freeholder Director Louis Cappelli in regard to the passing of former Freeholder and Camden High School Principal Riletta Cream at 4:45 p.m. on Dec. 18, at Virtua Hospital in Voorhees.
“In profound sadness, the Freeholder Board mourns the loss of Riletta Cream, an institution and scion in education and public service. She was a shining light to all children in the city and throughout the county and it’s hard not to see the indelible mark she has made on our public institutions with both a school and library bearing her name.
Riletta came from humble roots in South Camden on Sycamore Street and diligently worked to become the household name she is today by impacting thousands of students throughout her 40-year teaching career. She created lifelong bonds with administrators, teachers and students that could never be broken and even in retirement from public life dedicated her time to raising scholarship money for current students in the Camden School District.
Her 15-year tenure on the Freeholder Board was marked by several accomplishments and a genuine pursuit to help residents and make Camden County a better place to live. She was a mentor to me as a young public official and guided me as a new Freeholder when I joined the board.
There is no question in my mind, that the world is a better place because of her, even in her advanced age, she was sharp as a tack and committed to lifting up a new generation of Camden residents with her scholarship fund. Furthermore, she was a legend in the city and her legacy of character and faith will live on for generations to come.
Riletta was larger than life and served our community with a grace and dignity that could not be matched. In short, she was a woman of integrity and intelligence who cared deeply about Camden County and will be missed by all. The Board sends out our deepest condolences to the Twyne family on their loss and is grateful to have had her priceless contributions to Camden County.”
