Open Letters

Vera Jean Walton Singleton

“A gracious woman retains honor…” Proverbs 11:16

Vera Jean Walton Singleton, our mother was a gracious and extraordinary woman.  A woman deserving of everything wonderful and great! Our mother embodied every element of love, family, sacrifice, long suffering, generosity, beauty, class, and sophistication.  She was as real as they come; never mincing words but always intentional, straightforward, thoughtful, and passionate in her interactions.  She was committed to ensuring that we excelled in all of our educational endeavors.  Our mother was a self-made educator having ensured that we could read by the age of two and write as eloquently as our counterparts.  She believed that with an education coupled with the love and support of your family and hard work and sacrifice, one could have it all; the desires of their heart.  Our mother encouraged us to no end to excel even beyond our own expectations.  She relished in the idea of having educated, independent, self-sufficient, hard working children and grandchildren.  She raised her first born grandson as her own child, instilling in him the morals and values and love of education as she did her own children.  Throughout all of our mother’s hardships and struggles, her commitment to her family never wavered; she was patient and stood steadfast by her family.  Our mother placed her trust in God and committed her entire life to her family. Even with her beauty and appeal, she was a modest and humble woman, a virtuous woman, the most giving and generous to all those whom she loved.  It was a privilege, blessing, and gift from God to be amongst our mother’s presence, learn from her, and be mentored by her for the very short time that we had her physically in our life.  To have lost such a pure heart, beautiful soul, and sweet spirt is to gain a purpose to continue and share her legacy with those who exemplify the characteristics in which she instilled in us.  Through us, our mother, Vera leaves with us a responsibility to give back to our community in her name and henceforth, sustaining her value and love of education and success. Our mother was a blessing to us and all of those around her and in her name we will honor and continue to bless those that exemplify those characteristics in which she instilled in her children and grandchildren.  She deserves to be remembered and honored in all of her efforts to create in us what she desired so much for herself.

VERA JEAN WALTON SINGLETON

FROM HER HUSBAND FRANKLIN RONNELL SINGLETON

A Remembrance of My Wife

Perhaps, the best way I can speak on behalf of my wife, Vera J. Singleton for thirty-nine years married, plus three that we dated, is that she was a God sent just for me.  Vera and I were a great combination together. We did everything together, prayed together, cried together, made grocery together, laughed together, went to church together, and any other thing that a rational person can fantom.  She truly was a unique person.  She kept to herself a whole lot, she deeply family embedded.  Her family was her second love, only to God.  She led by example to her daughters of what a wife is supposed to be about.  And on the same token she demanded respect from them and anybody else. 

           Our conversations were very transparent; if it was an apple, it was an apple.  We didn’t make believe; we kept our language on a reality check. I know in my heart that was the reason we got along so well.  Vera always encouraged her daughters to have their own husbands as well as their own place.  She deeply believed in that with a passion. 

           Something that I will forever remember my wife for is, that whatever came out your mouth or whatever you said (If you will), she held you accountable.  No excuses. And many times, she called my hand and guess what, I had to answer.  Now that works both ways… But most of all after almost 30 years had gone by and we found ourselves getting really close to God.  We would lay in bed discussion scriptures and thank God for our girls and their education that he blessed them to have, our jobs, our home, and everything that God blessed us with together.  It was a beautiful transition to be led by God, especially in the household. 

           Vera demonstrated the kind of love for her husband (me) that any man would want to have and that’s why it will always be with me in my mind that God made Vera for me.  There are so many great things and times that I can recall.  It would take me forever just to say and tell them.  But here is the one that is the glue; Vera would always use this saying to me when I was out and about with the boys.  She would say, “Just remember you are a Deacon!! Whenever she wanted my undivided attention; she would say those words to me because she knew our foundation was based on the words of God.  That is why I am grateful to have had a woman like Vera as my wife. 

In closing, the word of God tells us in the Book of Genesis 2: 24…

“Therefore, shall a man leave his Father and his mother and shall cleave unto his wife and they shall be one flesh.”

My Wife, Vera lived by those words.

Your Husband,

Rock

I was Vera’s baby, matter of fact, I was the baby of the family for 15 years until my nephew came into the world.  I have so many wonderful memories of my mother for the 30 years I was blessed to have her.  I was able to witness her be a mother, wife, daughter, sister, friend, believer of Christ and employee.  As I often reflect on the times, I shared with my mom I am filled with emotion.  I feel happy and blessed to have had her but also cheated out of experiencing the older years of my life with her.  Each time I look at my daughter, I can remember how much my love my mother had for her and how much she would love to see how she has developed so far and all that she knows.  Then I remember some of the lessons she has taught me, from either telling me directly or showing me with her actions. 

My mother was a straight shooter, she would call a spade a spade and didn’t sugar coat much.  Seeing her live her truth taught me to say what I mean and mean what I say.

My mother taught me the importance of independence and self-care.  She would often tell me not to depend on anyone for my wants and needs especially a man and the only man I should solely depend on is God.  She taught me to take care of myself first.

My mother taught me the value of education and encouraged me to work hard and make good grades, not for her or my dad but for myself because ultimately, I would be the person responsible for my grades/work whether good or bad.

My mother taught me to trust God in everything that I do.  When I was growing up and studying for tests, she would quiz me with the study guides then encourage me to pray that night with my study guide near by and to pray before the test and after.  My mom encouraged me to read the bible for myself and if I didn’t understand- to pray for understanding.  I saw her faith grow as I grew older and I felt a new type of peace around her, she was a true believer and loved God.

My mother believed in me and encouraged me to do everything I thought I could do.  She believed I was a Jill of all trades and would allow me to put together things that she bought or taste a new recipe that I would try.  She would give honest feedback, which I think prepared me for the real world to take criticism.

My mother LOVED her family, her siblings, her mom, her nephews (her favorites), nieces and cousins.  I would see my mom show love and understanding in times when I felt it wasn’t needed.  She loved to host parties for her family, cooking food, having games, and listening to music.  She wanted me to know my family and encouraged us to love each other.

My mother had a true giving heart especially to the less fortunate.  Although, we didn’t have much to give she made sure she gave to the needed whether it was food, donations or her favorite Christmas.  I remember several Christmas holidays where my mother was determined to get all the kids in the family a gift, if you know my family…. You know that means a lot of children.  Well, she did and would sit back with her legs crossed and smile as the kids rejoiced.  She taught me to share with others.

My mom would be disheartened and disappointed in disobedient children and children who were not in school or working.  She wanted everyone to be the best that they can be and try to help themselves.  This is the basis of the scholarship foundation in her name, Mrs. Vera Jean Walton Singleton.  A woman of honor, love, victor, she can never be duplicated, replaced, or forgotten.  The values she instilled in her girls and grandson should be shared with the masses and that’s the point of this foundation.  I pray it will flourish like the love she had for us.