Mary Colley Hylton

Mary Raines Colley Hylton passed away at home on Thursday, June 18, 2026. Mary was born to Fred Christopher Raines and America Virginia Arrington Raines on February 3, 1932. They lived in Clintwood and Haysi. She grew up in Haysi, near their family restaurant on Prater Creek. She helped by tending their skating rink, cleaning boarder bedrooms, and working in the restaurant. Mary played guard (number 00) for the undefeated girls' Virginia State Basketball Champions, the Haysi High Tigers, year after year. At 5’7”, she could guard the opposing team's forwards very well. Mary married Lamar Stephen Colley and had two sons, Marlon Van Colley and John Steven Colley. She taught elementary school at Davis Elementary (today it would be on Cowpath Road). While teaching, she continued her education and received her degree from Pikeville College. She continued teaching at Haysi Elementary and eventually at Haysi High School (Girls’ Physical Education). She sponsored folk dancing and cheerleaders. Mary taught school at Clintwood Elementary and continued her education, receiving her Master’s Degree from Virginia Commonwealth University. Mary divorced Lamar and married Robert Garrett Hylton (Bob Hylton). They had a daughter, Erika Leigh Hylton. Erika went on to receive her PhD in education at UNLV. Mary was very active in her community and served as president of various organizations, including Mountain People and Places, the Dickenson Education Association, the Dickenson County Historical Society, and the Southwestern Virginia Historical Society. She also served as Director of the Dickenson County Library Board and the Southwestern Virginia Library Board, was an officer in the Eastern Kentucky Historical Society, and was a Kentucky Colonel appointed by Kentucky Governor Paul Patton. She had many pictures of herself with Virginia Governors, Senators, members of the House of Delegates, and Congressmen. Mary served on the Clintwood Town Council and the Board of the Breaks Interstate Park. She did many things to promote tourism and invest in the county. Kenny Mullins said, “She spoke at a meeting and turned the tables, and got the Colley Shopping Center approved.” Mary represented United States teachers traveling to Moscow, Russia, as part of a group of educators to meet with Russian teachers and speak to students there. She earned her pilot’s license and served on the Wise County Airport Board, representing Dickenson County. She was an officer of the Dickenson County Chamber of Commerce and promoted buying from local businesses. She was also an officer of the Clintwood Kiwanis Club. She was elected Miss Dickenson County several times. She was honored to lead the Fourth of July parade in Clintwood, riding in the horse-drawn carriage and waving at everyone. Mary leaves behind two children, Erika Leigh Hylton and Marlon Van Colley. Marlon's children: Trevor Colley, Mary Colley, and Trey Miles Colley. Her son, Steve Colley, is deceased. His children are Jerry Steven Colley and Amanda Leigh Colley. Mary’s siblings have also passed on: Edith Raines (Josh) Wright, Lucille Raines (Paul) McManaway, Edna Raines (Hobart) Bailey, Fred Raines, Jr. (Dora Ryder and Juanita Powers), Theodore Raines (Alpha Rasnake), Miles Raines (Belva Rasnake), and Donald Paul Raines (Carolyn). Mary has several nieces and nephews; Bill Wright, Kathy McManaway, David McManaway, Sierra Sue McManaway, Tammy McManaway, Gail Bailey, Mike Bailey, Marquitta Bailey, Jenny Raines, Jerry Raines, Donna Gail Raines, Patti Raines, Marsha Raines, Susan Raines, Chris Raines, Beverly Ann Raines, Debbie Raines, Bill David Raines, Kenneth Raines, Danny Raines, Bobby Raines, Michelle Raines, Tim Raines, Larry Raines, and Doug Raines. There will be a graveside service at the Fitzhugh Colley Cemetery on Monday, June 22, at 2:00 PM, with Lester Mullins officiating.

Mary Colley Hylton

February 3, 1932 - June 18, 2026