Arletta Mae Raley

Arletta Mae Raley, 89, passed away in Huntersville, N.C. on Thursday, July 10, 2025. Born May 20, 1936, in Wellsville, Ohio, Arletta was the daughter of the late Ernest Helfrich and Jennie Eschbacker Helfrich.

A graduate from Ohio State University, Arletta spent her career in music education, choral directing, and educational television production.

After completing her undergraduate degree, Arletta moved to New York City to attend Columbia University, where she earned her master’s degree. It was there that she met and fell in love with Alex Raley. Together, they raised two children and built a wonderful life filled with music, learning, and adventure.

Arletta and Alex shared a deep love of music and education, which eventually led them to Columbia, South Carolina. Arletta became an educational television producer for SCETV, creating series such as Time for Sounds, Experiences in Music, and several holiday specials.

Arletta’s love of music and her selfless desire to help others, especially children and youth, led her to establish The Blue Ridge Singers, a choral group composed of staff members working summers at the YMCA Blue Ridge Assembly in Black Mountain, North Carolina. Through her work there, she created an unparalleled summer experience for her own children, who were able to spend their formative years enjoying life “on the Mountain.”

Her passion for music extended far beyond this endeavor. She was also instrumental in working with other choral groups, including leading The Columbia Children’s Choir for the annual Governor’s Carolighting event.

Arletta and Alex became members of Washington Street United Methodist Church in Columbia, South Carolina, where she served as Director of Music for more than 30 years before retiring. In 2002, Arletta founded the church’s beloved Sing-along Messiah, which continues to be performed 23 years later.

Arletta was preceded in death by her beloved husband of 49 years, Alex Raley. She is survived by their daughter, Jennifer Raley of Mount Holly, NC, and their son, A. Hart Raley, Jr., and his wife, Roslyn Worley Raley, of Athens, GA; her adored grandsons, Charles Michael Rodgers, Jr., Alexander Vance Rodgers, and Robert Calhoun Raley; her cherished granddaughter, Norah Jane Raley; her sister, Marty Baker; and her brother, Bill Helfrich.

A memorial service for Arletta Raley will be held at Washington Street United Methodist Church, Columbia, on Saturday, July 26, 2025, at 10:00 a.m. Visitation will follow the service in Threatt Hall. A private interment service will precede the memorial service. Dunbar Funeral Home, Devine Street Chapel, is assisting the family.

Memorials may be made to the Washington Street United Methodist Church Sanctuary Choir, 1401 Washington Street, Columbia, SC 29201.

Memories may be shared at www.dunbarfunerals.com.