Martha Elizabeth Humbert Riley

Martha Elizabeth Humbert Riley, 99, died peacefully on June 8, 2024, in Thousand Oaks, California.

Martha was born February 5, 1925, in El Paso, TX; the daughter of Col. George Frederick and Frances Sperry Humbert. She was preceded in death by her husband Charles D. Riley Sr., her son George Humbert Riley, and her siblings Barbara Humbert Handy (Lynchburg, VA), Dr. George Frederick Humbert, Jr. (Pahrump, NV), and Mary Ann Humbert Luther (El Paso, TX).

She is survived by her sons Charles D. Riley, Jr., and wife Pam (Durham, NC), Randolph M. Riley and wife Monica (Moorpark, CA), and Kevin H. Riley and wife Terri (Apex, NC). Also, her grandchildren, Erin A. Riley Moye (Raleigh, NC), Braden D. Riley (Pinehurst, NC), Kristin E. H. Riley Bouldin (Wilmington, NC), Trey M. Riley (Moorpark, CA), Parker R. Riley (Moorpark, CA), Madagan M. G. Riley (New York, NY), and nine great-grandchildren.

As the daughter of a career Army Officer growing up, she lived in Texas, California, Colorado, Michigan, North Carolina and Virginia. She attended Salem College, NC, her first year, and then transferred to William & Mary, VA, where she graduated in 1946. Her father was Commander at Fort Eustis, Newport News, VA, a base close to Williamsburg, and he wanted Martha and Barbara to be near during World War II. She met the love of her life in Biology class at W&M. They were married in the historic Wren Chapel on the campus on August 24, 1946.

In 1951, Martha and Chuck moved to El Paso, TX, with their first two sons, Chuck and Bert. With all four boys, they would travel to Cloudcroft, NM, learning how to ski, and also enjoyed gallivanting in White Sands, NM. The family remained in Texas until 1967, when they relocated to Durham, NC, to begin a new business.

Martha loved living in Durham. She taught school and supported the new business. As a life-long athlete, she became active in tennis and golf. She and her husband were instrumental in forming Hollow Rock Swim and Tennis Club, Durham, NC. Another pursuit was playing bridge. She even tried piano, taking lessons along with granddaughter, Erin.

Martha was very involved in the children's sports activities, piling all of the boy's friends in their station wagon, traveling all over North Carolina to all of the sporting events. They became part of a very tight knit group of family friends, and shared many happy memories.

The "Windsong", the Riley's sailing catamaran, was a passion of Martha and Chuck's. They sailed from Morehead City to Cape Lookout most weekends. Many of their friends and family were lucky enough to share in their voyages. With Jim & Jackie Smith as crew, they sailed in a flotilla through the Greek Isles.

Martha was a woman of deep faith. She read her Bible, studied devotionals and always gave thanks to God for her blessings. She was baptised as an infant in Bruton Parish Church in Williamsburg, VA, at the font used for Pocahontas, and with water from the river Jordan which was brought by her grandmother for the occasion. She would laughingly proclaim that she had a "Royal Baptism".

In El Paso, TX, she attended a Presbyterian Church. In Durham, NC, for some years, was a member at Epworth Methodist. In the 80's, she began worshipping with family at Yates Baptist Church, Durham, NC. When her granddaughter, Erin, made a profession of faith, Martha and Chuck, Sr. presented themselves for membership and baptism. The three Rileys were baptised together.

Martha was a remarkable lady! Wife, mother, teacher, loyal friend, all were touched by her warm personality, generous and caring spirit. She will be missed, but we are left with great memories. Those who knew her are lucky indeed.