Marteal Joycelyn Singleton

LIFE’S REFLECTIONS —THE OBITUARY Marteal Joycelyn Singleton, daughter of the late John Theodore Anderson and the late Tillie Marteal (Clark) Anderson, was born in Beaumont, Texas on Tuesday, September 18, 1923. She entered into eternal rest peacefully on Tuesday, November 14, 2023 in Farmington Hills, Michigan. Mother Singleton accepted Christ at a very young age and began using her gift for singing while growing up in the church. She attended Wiley College in Marshall, Texas where she continued performing as a classical soloist. Marteal was introduced, by her older brother Rufus, to her future husband, Michael B. (M. B.) Singleton. Upon her decision to leave Wiley and get married, Marteal accredited her mother Tillie consenting to the union by saying, “Darling make your home your profession!” The Singleton family moved to Detroit, Michigan in 1948 where they resided for 23 years. As partners in business as well as life, M. B. And Marteal owned a licensed general contracting business and various commercial/residential property holdings. She was very active in Tabernacle Baptist Church and the Church of Our Father. In 1971, due to health-related matters, the family moved to Phoenix, Arizona and became members of First Institutional Baptist Church. Marteal was active in several areas of ministry at FIBC most especially leading songs during morning worship. She enjoyed working with children in the church, schools and early childhood settings. Most of all, she cherished her time with family and friends—near or far; sharing her gifts of kindness and grace with everyone she knew. In later years she moved to Colorado and, finally, Michigan to be cared for by family. Mother Singleton was married to Bro. Michael Barry Singleton, Sr for over 50 years. He preceded her in death in 1995. She was the mother of five sons and two daughters. Two sons (by marriage), M. B. Singleton, Jr and Lavencia Singleton preceded her in death. Her son Dr. Earnest Singleton, daughter Sandra Singleton Sullen, and two grandchildren preceded her in death. She had three brothers: Joseph Elijah Anderson, Rufus Barnett Anderson, Sr, and John Theodore Anderson Jr who preceded her in death. Her precious memories will be forever treasured by her survivors who include: a daughter (by marriage) Annie D. (Singleton) Miller; sons Dr. Barry and Michael Singleton; twenty grandchildren, thirty-two great grandchildren, and five great great grandchildren. One son-in-law, Ocell Miller Jr.; two daughters-in-law Carol and Nghiem Singleton. Marteal touched the lives of many during her 100 years of love and blessedness. Among those are members of her extended family of Anderson and Singleton nieces and nephews (too numerous to name) and a host of other relatives and friends. We are all benefactors of her wisdom and loving-kindness. Most expressly, we witnessed her lifelong testimony of the love of God through her Savior Jesus Christ. The family is truly grateful to all for your outpouring of generosity and support.

Marteal Joycelyn Singleton

September 18, 1923 - November 14, 2023