FIND AN OBITUARY
Service information is posted on our website only with approval from the family.
If you are seeking information not listed below, please contact us.

Gladys Singleton
05/25/1925 — 02/13/2024
From Kennewick, WA | Born in Durant, MS
Watch ServicePublic Viewing
Celebration of Life
Committal Interment
Gladys Singleton
Life and Memory of
Gladys Alice Singleton
The world became a brighter place on the day that Mother Gladys Alice Singleton was born; the 25th day of May 1925 in Durant, Mississippi. She peacefully went home to be with the Lord on Tuesday, February 13th, 2024 surrounded by loved ones. Her mother, Johnnie E. Shields and father, Nelson Booker preceded her in death, as well as her sister, Lucille Randall and brother, Pleasant Dixon.
As a young woman, she met Reverend Johney Lamar Singleton, who shared that God showed him that he would meet a beautiful lady named Gladys and she would become his wife. On April 12, 1947, they were united in Holy Matrimony just as God had ordained. In 1948, after being discharged from the Army they moved to the Tri-Cities for work. Mother Singleton worked as a cook for the Old Pancake House on Lewis Street in Pasco and she never stopped loving pancakes. Shortly after their arrival, they joined Morning Star Missionary Baptist Church where Pastor Singleton was ordained as a Deacon and Mother Singleton taught Sunday School.
In 1969, Pastor Singleton became the Pastor of New Hope Missionary Baptist Church and Mother Singleton served by his side as the First Lady. They celebrated 56 years of marriage prior to the passing of Pastor Singleton in January 2004. She was a strong advocate of bible study, Baptist Training Union and Sunday School. Mother Singleton loved the youth and would travel with Pastor Singleton and the singing group, “Voices of Faith.”
After serving at New Hope Church, Pastor Singleton and First Lady Singleton served at the Mount Zion Community Baptist Church in Pendleton, Oregon for thirteen years. They made that drive come rain, snow, sleet or hail. Throughout the years, she traveled with Pastor Singleton attending the many General Baptist Conventions as well as the Tri-State District Association Meetings. After retiring from the ministry, they rejoined Morning Star Missionary Baptist Church where Mother Singleton faithfully served as a Deaconess and a member of the Mission I Board. Mother Singleton was also a member of the General Baptist Convention of the Northwest Minister Wives and Widows Ministry until she received her angel wings.
In 2002, Rev. and Mother Singleton received the Juneteenth Pillar of Faith Award for their leadership, dedication and commitment to the Body of Christ. Mother Singleton was a servant of the Lord, a gracious prayer warrior who never lost her zeal for learning more about Christ. She was an avid bible reader, enjoyed going to church, and listening to the choir. Mother Singleton would occasionally host a night of bible study with the New Hope Brotherhood and they were so blessed by her sweet spirit. Their last bible study in her home was in December 2023, and even during her illness she still made sure they ended bible study with warm apple pie and ice cream.
Mother Singleton took meticulous care of her home and even mowed her own yard until her health prevented it when she was in her 70’s. She loved to spend time in her garden, enjoyed going fishing and sewing. Every day she made sure that she watched her favorite television shows, The Young and The Restless, Let’s Make a Deal, The Price Is Right and Judge Judy.
She was preceded in death by her husband, Reverend Johney Singleton; parents: Johnnie Shields and Nelson Booker; sister, Lucille Randall and brother, Pleasant Dixon. Mother Singleton is survived by her nieces, Wilma Cobbins, Lexington, MS and Annie Fisher, West, MS, and four great nieces and two great nephews, and a host of “adopted” children and grandchildren who loved her like a mother.
Although she never had children of her own, she had a host of “adopted” children, and grandchildren who loved to call her, Mother, Mama and Grandma. She wished to recognize the following: Annie Robinson; Jackie Jones-Hook; Bobby & Susan Sparks; Lavern & Lavonne Baker; Wheeler & Bertha Mae Smith; Pastor Ron & Libby Lewis; Eddie & Beverly Cobb; Charles & Andrea Montgomery; Pastor Fred & Janean Beard; Pastor Robert & Ruby Eadie; Doug & Anna Bullock; Roderick Cloy and Rev. Dennis & Marian Odom. To know Mother Singleton was to love her.
“Honor her for all that her hands have done, and let her works bring her praise at the city gate.”
Proverbs 31:31
Ms. Gladys Singleton, as many in the community referred to as Mother Singleton became a legend in her own right after the passing of her husband, Johnny L Singleton in 2004. She carried on the work of the ministry. They both inspired us and served as role models in the ministry within the community. We met them in 1998, through a friend, they invited us to their churching where they were pastoring in Pendelton, Oregon (Mt. Zion Baptist Church). They wrapped their arms around us and encouraged us in the Lord. Mother Singleton taught us many of the songs from the church hymnal. They not only told us, we could do the work in the ministry, but showed us. After Rev. Singleton passed away, Mother Singleton continued faithfully working and supporting different local churches, organizations, holding a position as Vice President in the mission. I even witnessed a time at her home when takes it upon herself to take the anointing oil and anoints her adopted son for the ministry and then prays over him. I was totally caught off guard! We were glad to have Mother Singleton as our Spiritual Guide. Each time we talked to Mother Singleton, she had encouraging words for us and likewise, we let her know how much we loved, appreciated, and couldn’t made it without God putting her and them late Johnny L. Singleton in our lives at a time we were hurting. Each time we talked to Mother Singleton, we made sure, we gave her, her flowers.
Guestbook for
Gladys Singleton