Mary Brabham Riley

Mary Brabham Riley passed away peacefully on September 12, 2024, and is now
reunited with her husband of 50 years, Hubbard Louis Riley, who passed away on
December 15, 2015.

Mary was born on July 15 in Sumter, South Carolina to the late Matthew Moye
Brabham, Sr., and the late Frances Langston Brabham. She attended Hillcrest High
School and then began working at Shaw Air Force Base. She was raised in the Baptist
church, loved old hymns and played piano.

Hubbard and Mary met on a blind date and were married on June 12. They welcomed
their only child, Frances Kathleen “Kay” on November 14, 1965. Hubbard then attended
OCS and shortly thereafter left for Vietnam. Mary was without her husband for 2
separate tours totaling 2 years while Hubbard was defending our country.

Mary loved traveling to many places during Hubbard’s military career, her favorite being
the 7 years spent in Hawaii. Mary and Kay traveled to Italy, France, Switzerland,
England Greece, Turkey, Bahamas, USVI, and St. Maarten to name a few. They
enjoyed several cruises as well.

Mary was active in the Officers wives' clubs, played golf and tennis, loved flowers and
gardening, worked as a legal assistant, and retired after 16 years from the Landing
Club. Her favorite activity was just being at the beach as a lifelong sun worshipper. Mary
was the quintessential gentile southern lady who never went out without looking
impeccably dressed, and with beautiful hair and makeup. She had a great sense of
humor and loved to laugh with family and friends she made over the many years as a
military wife. The Riley house always had a dog, and she leaves behind her precious
Mia, a rescue Shih tzu. Kay and Doug are now her parents, and Mia will stand as a
sweet reminder of Mom.

Mary is survived by her daughter, Kay Riley Thigpen (Doug), brother Matthew Moye
Brabham, Jr. (Dena), nephews Matthew Moye Brabham III, John Hoffmann and niece
Tracy Brauchle (John). Mary was predeceased by her sister Ida Pauline “Polly”
Hoffmann (Erich) and niece Robin Renee Brabham.

Friends may visit with the family 2 o'clock thru 3 o'clock Saturday afternoon, September 21, 2024 at Gamble Funeral Service - 410 Stephenson Avenue, Savannah, Georgia.

Funeral services will follow at 3 o'clock in the afternoon in the Chapel of Gamble Funeral Service. The Reverend Dr. Drew Corbett will preside.

Burial will be in Arlington National Cemetery.