Peggy Faydene (Collins) Riley

Peggy Faydene Collins Riley was born at Duke Hospital on 10/25/1938 as the fourth child of Robert Lee and Margaret ( “Maggie”) Baldwin Collins.  Faydene’s survival as a premature infant at a time with limited technology was indeed a miracle.

Faydene’s childhood was shaped by Christian parents and loving neighbors on Stockard Road in Graham.  Her Mother Maggie required surgery for a Pulmonary condition when Faydene was very young.  The Surgeon’s wife, Elizabeth Carrington, made home visits to change Maggie’s surgical dressings.  Fayedene recalled Mrs. Carrington bringing baskets of food and toys for the Collins children. The UNC Chapel Hill School of Nursing  is housed in Carrington Hall, named in honor of Elizabeth Carrington. Fayedene’s Daughter-In-Law Jane attended classes in this  building and graduated from UNC School of Nursing in 1985.

Faydene’s  formal education was completed at Eli Whitney School.  She married Billy Allison Riley on 9/19/1958.  They formed a strong  Christian marriage that lasted until Billy’s death on 4/16/2011.  Their only child Roger Dale Riley was born on 6/21/1962.  Being a loving Mother was second only to serving as a loving, faithful Wifez.  Peggy and Billy celebrated with Dale when he married Jane Kirk Shearin in 1986.

Faydene  worked in textile mills her entire adult life.  She loved her Lord, her family, her friends, her yard and her church.  She especially enjoyed her Grandchildren Stephen Kirk Riley and Elizabeth Grace Riley.  Homemade sugar cookies at Christmas, greetings with” Hello, Shug” and “I love you and Jesus Loves you” were standard. 

Faydene was known as a prayer warrior for her family and community.  Her bible is filled with underlined scripture and cards received from friends.  She kept a calendar with Birthdays of friends and family.  She left a Birthday card to Linda Williams addressed and stamped ready to be mailed prior to Linda’s Birthday this very week.

  At the time of Faydene’s death, the following inscription on a card from a friend  was in her kitchen:

“ To the woman on my journey who showed me the ways to go, whose strength and compassion held up a torch of light for me;

Whose grace and gratitude lifted me into the fullness of surrender to God;

Who showed me what I am and what I am not;

Whose love and encouragement held me tenderly and nudged me gently….

To this woman I say bless you and thank you from the depths of my heart, for I have been healed and set free through your joy.”

Inscription (Adapted) by Rev. Melissa M.Bowers

Peggy was predeceased by her Parents, three Brothers, and an infant Sister.  She is survived by her Son Dale, his Wife Jane, and Grandchildren Stephen and Elizabeth all of Raleigh, NC.

A celebration of life will be held Tuesday, January 7, 2020 at 11:00 AM at Cornerstone Community Church. Officiating will be Rev. Daniel Thames. Burial will follow in Moore’s Chapel Cemetery. The family will receive friends at the church from 10:00 AM until 11:00 AM prior to the service.

 In lieu of flowers donations may be made to Cornerstone Community Church, 6324 NC 87, Graham, NC 27253 or to Hospice and Palliative Care of Alamance/Caswell, 914 Chapel Hill Rd., Burlington, NC 27215.

Online condolences may be sent at www.mcclurefuneralservice.net

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