Marlene Singleton

Marlene Evelyn Singleton was born January 8, 1937, to Alonzo and Pearl Powell. She spent her life in Pittsburgh PA, where she attended Fifth Avenue High School. In 1957, she met and married William Singleton and raised their four children, Jeffrey, Sheila, Keith, and Kent. She attended Allegheny Community College to pursue an associate degree in business administration. She paused her studies to focus more on her family and instead, opened an in-home day care. Through this business, Marlene, also known as “Granny” to many, was able to support families in the community while also taking care of her own family. All the children she cared for became her own. Marlene also cared for her grandchildren, so they too could be taken care of by family. Marlene loved her family dearly and hosted many family celebrations and gatherings at their home on Lyric Street. The gatherings were for the 4th of July, Thanksgiving, Christmas, New Year’s Eve, or any other reason to celebrate with family and friends. With her husband William, they had the “Kool-Aid” house, and everyone loved hanging out there to be loved on and to enjoy a good meal. Once retired from the child day care business, Marlene, who had a giving, caregiver spirit, became a personal assistant through Catholic Charities to help elderly individuals with shopping and light housework. More importantly, she provided friendship and companionship to her clients. All through her years, Marlene enjoyed attending parades in Pittsburgh as well as other events and festivities. She loved traveling to Detroit, MI, Patterson, NJ, Maryland, and any other place her family lived. She enjoyed family vacations to Virginia Beach and the sisters’ trip to Cancun Mexico and the White House. She liked to have fun and will be remembered by many for her quick wit, teasing and big, beautiful smile. Marlene was a faithful member of Baptist Temple, where she enjoyed the choir, as well as the Mime and Dance ministries. She enjoyed her time in fellowship with her brother Conley and sister-in-love Dorothy, as well as other family and friends.

In her last few years, Marlene required increased care. Her daughter Sheila stepped up to the plate and provided in-home care for her mom, with the help of family, friends, and healthcare providers. Marlene transitioned peacefully, in her sleep, on Saturday, August 24, 2024. She was 87 years old. Marlene leaves, to cherish her memory and legacy of love, her husband of 66 years William, and four children: oldest son Jeffrey (Karen) Singleton, daughter Sheila Williams and her youngest, twin sons Keith and Kent Singleton. She is also survived by, brothers Conley (Dorothy) Powell, Ronnie (Tonya) Warren Sr. and Tyrone Warren; eight grandchildren, Keith Singleton Jr., Stephanie Singleton, Olivia Williams, Preanna Singleton (Joseph Mendez), William Singleton, Brandon Singleton, Jason Singleton, and Destin Miller; six great-grandchildren, Keegan, Gabriel, Charles (Bubby), Noah and Ava. She is also survived by her oldest niece Barbara Johnson (Cecil)
and a host of other nieces, nephews, cousins, and many other family and friends. Marlene was preceded in death by her parents Alonzo and Pearl Powell, stepmother LaRoe Powell; seven brothers, Alonzo, James, Maurice, Robert (Bobby), Donald, Erskine, Nathaniel; two sisters. Alleen, and Edith; brother-in-love Albert and sisters-in-love Bea, Rudy, Mickey, Stella, Frankie, and Mildred.

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