Helen Chilton Riley

Mrs. Riley was born on December 10, 1926 in Winston-Salem, North Carolina to the late Raleigh Elwood Chilton, Sr. and Lilly Vesta Aaron Chilton.

She was a graduate of Hanes High School, where she had served as Poet Articulate for her graduating class. She enjoyed writing poetry, playing the piano and organ, working in flowers, and yard work. Mrs. Riley was also very artistic and had a love for drawing.

For many years, she was a faithful member of Laurel Oak Christian Church alongside her husband, Red Riley. Together, they enjoyed riding through the mountains from Hillsville, Virginia down the Blue Ridge Parkway. Most of all, Mrs. Riley enjoyed spending time with her children and grandchildren.

In addition to her parents, she was preceded in death by her husband of over 70 years, Joseph William “Red” Riley, Sr. on January 21, 2017; daughter, Audrey Michelle Riley Smith; grandson, Kevin Smith; sister, Mary Alice Fishel; brother, Raleigh Elwood Chilton, Jr.; sister-in-law, Audrey Beaman Collins; and great-niece, Michelle Collins.

She is survived by sons, Joseph William "Butch" Riley, Jr. of Surry, Virginia and Boyd Elwood "Buddy" Riley and wife Berta of Randleman; daughters Joni Johnson of Thomasville, Lynn Robinson and husband Johnny of High Point, Alicia Culler and husband Steve of High Point, and Tara Ball of Graham; fourteen grandchildren, twenty four great-grandchildren and fourteen great-great grandchildren. Mrs. Riley is also survived by her sister, Imogene Caudle and her husband Don of Winston-Salem.

A memorial service will be held at 3 pm Sunday, February 12, 2017 at Sechrest Funeral Service in High Point, with Reverend Kelly Barefoot officiating. Inurnment will follow at Guilford Memorial Park. The family will receive friends from 1:30 pm until 3 pm prior to the service at the funeral home.

Memorial contributions may be sent to help children in need for summer camp at Johns River Valley Camp, 6211 US Highway 90, Collettsville, North Carolina 28611 or the Wounded Warrior Project at P.O. Box 758517, Topeka, Kansas 66675.

Online condolences may be made at sechrestfunerals.com.

Sechrest Funeral Service of High Point is honored to serve the Riley family.