Alma Faye Graves

Alma Faye (Scarlett) Graves, age 84, passed away peacefully at her home in Mebane, North Carolina, on January 26, 2026. She was born June 15, 1941, at home in Mebane, to Alice Rebecca (Rembert) Scarlett and Gilbert Taft Scarlett, Sr. Faye was the fourth of seven children. 

She was preceded in death by her parents; her brothers Taft Scarlett and Bobby Scarlett; and her husband, Tyson Riley, as well as her second husband, Lee Graves. She is survived by her siblings Marie (Scarlett) Perry; Bill Scarlett (Sherry); Roger Scarlett (Becky); and Steve Scarlett (Kim); and by Bobby’s wife, Shirley Scarlett.

Faye grew up in Mebane and graduated from Mebane High School in 1959. Not long after graduation, she stepped into a caregiving role for her youngest brother, Steve, following the tragic death of her mother. During that time, Faye cared for him as if he were her own child—a responsibility that reflected the selflessness and devotion that would define her life. She married Tyson Riley at her Aunt Ruth’s home, and the couple made their home in Efland, where their first child, David, was born. They later returned to Mebane, where they completed their family with the births of Angie and Jimmy. While raising her children, Faye worked outside the home at General Electric and Northern Telecom, balancing her professional life with her deep commitment to her family. 

After Tyson’s passing, Faye later married Lee Graves. Together, they shared many traveling adventures and enjoyed exploring new places until Lee’s death in 2019.Faye had a lifelong love of music and sang regularly at church—and even sang on the radio earlier in her life. She also enjoyed sewing and volunteered her time at a local rest home. A longtime supporter of St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital, Faye was generous with her time, talents, and resources. Above all, Faye’s greatest passion was her faith. She loved and served the Lord wholeheartedly and devoted her life to loving her family. She took special joy in her children, grandchildren, and great-grandchildren, and in teaching them to love the Lord. Grandchildren lovingly remember her constant presence at their dance recitals, games, graduations, weddings and other milestones—she always showed up for her family. Faye loved to laugh, especially over a good game of Rummikub with her dear sister Marie and other friends. 

She is survived by her children David Riley; Angie Dickey (Michael); and Jimmy Riley (Candy); her grandchildren Chelsea Dickey, Abby Dickey, Graham Dickey, Landon Dickey, Olivia Dickey, Dylan Ball, Tyson Riley, and McKenzie Riley; and her great-grandchildren Nora Pogacar, Lucy Pogacar, and Mateo Paggao-Dickey.

Visitation will be held on January 30, 2026, from 11 a.m.-noon at Oak Grove Baptist Church in Mebane. The funeral service will follow at noon at the same location. Burial will take place immediately afterward at Oakwood Cemetery in Mebane. In lieu of flowers, memorial donations may be made to St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital.