A Life Story

Mary Brabham Riley passed away peacefully on September 12, 2024, and is nowreunited with her husband of 50 years, Hubbard Louis Riley, who passed away onDecember 15, 2015.Mary was born on July 15 in Sumter, South Carolina to the late Matthew MoyeBrabham, Sr., and the late Frances Langston Brabham. She attended Hillcrest HighSchool and then began working at Shaw Air Force Base. She was raised in the Baptistchurch, loved old hymns and played piano.Hubbard and Mary met on a blind date and were married on June 12. They welcomedtheir only child, Frances Kathleen "Kay" on November 14, 1965. Hubbard then attendedOCS and shortly thereafter left for Vietnam. Mary was without her husband for 2separate tours totaling 2 years while Hubbard was defending our country.Mary loved traveling to many places during Hubbard's military career, her favorite beingthe 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. Theyenjoyed several cruises as well.Mary was active in the Officers wives' clubs, played golf and tennis, loved flowers andgardening, worked as a legal assistant, and retired after 16 years from the LandingClub. Her favorite activity was just being at the beach as a lifelong sun worshipper. Marywas the quintessential gentile southern lady who never went out without lookingimpeccably dressed, and with beautiful hair and makeup. She had a great sense ofhumor and loved to laugh with family and friends she made over the many years as amilitary wife. The Riley house always had a dog, and she leaves behind her preciousMia, a rescue Shih tzu. Kay and Doug are now her parents, and Mia will stand as asweet reminder of Mom.Mary is survived by her daughter, Kay Riley Thigpen (Doug), brother Matthew MoyeBrabham, Jr. (Dena), nephews Matthew Moye Brabham III, John Hoffmann and nieceTracy 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.