Celebrating the Life of Velma Singleton

Velma Singleton was born on August 9, 1933, in Wynne, Arkansas, to the late Joseph and Mary Ann Smith. She was the tenth of twelve children. Raised in Jackson, Mississippi, Velma learned the value of hard work at an early age, working alongside her siblings picking cotton and doing various cleaning jobs to help support the family.

In 1960, Velma made a life-changing move to Cleveland, Ohio, along with several members of her family and her five children. After settling in Cleveland, she became a member of Mount Esther Baptist Church and, later in life, joined Calvary Methodist Church.

Velma soon found employment at Cleveland Hopkins Airport, and it was there that she met the man who would become her husband, Claude Singleton. Velma and Claude were united in marriage on December 14, 1961. Together, they built a home filled with family, love, laughter, and countless memories.

In the late 1960s, Velma began working for LCD, now known as LXD Incorporated, where she helped manufacture watches. She remained with the company for several years before resigning to begin what would become one of the greatest callings of her life—foster parenting.

In 1987, Velma and Claude opened their home and their hearts to children in need. Velma served as a foster parent for an incredible 28 years, until 2015. During those years, she provided a loving home to nearly 40 children, in addition to the many children she cared for through respite services. They ranged in age from newborn babies to teenagers. Her love extended far beyond temporary care, as she eventually adopted three of the children who came into her life.

Velma may have been petite in stature, but her personality, style, and presence were anything but small. She loved to dress sharp, and she loved beautiful things—especially when it came to her home. Her husband Claude would lovingly tease her about having “champagne taste with beer money,” but somehow, he always made sure Velma had what she needed and many of the things she wanted.

Family meant everything to Velma.

Her home was more than just a house—it was the place to be. Family and friends knew there was always something happening at Velma’s. She loved hosting card parties with the blues playing in the background, and those gatherings could easily last the entire weekend. She became known for her Easter and Thanksgiving dinners and, of course, her unforgettable Christmas parties.

Velma loved her children, grandchildren, and entire family deeply. She was straightforward and never had a problem telling you exactly what she thought, yet she did not like conflict. She also had a wonderful comedic side. Velma could always come up with something funny to say, often when you least expected it, leaving everyone around her laughing.

Through the years, Velma experienced tremendous loss while continuing to remain the heart of her family. She was the last surviving member of her siblings.

Velma was preceded in death by her parents, Joseph and Mary Ann Smith; her husband, Claude Singleton; her sons, Larry Smith wife Joanette and Ricky Singleton wife Yvonne ; three of her children who passed away at an early age; and her siblings.

She leaves to cherish her memory her children: Toni Fleetwood husband, Clifford; Malinda Thomas  husband, Robert; Phyllis Davis husband, Michael; Ivory Smith; Andre Singleton; and Dreanna Singleton, Constance Singleton.

Velma’s legacy also lives on through her 27 grandchildren, 42 great-grandchildren, and 16 great-great-grandchildren, along with a host of nieces, nephews, extended family members, foster children, and countless others whose lives she touched.

Over the course of her life, Velma gave something that cannot be measured simply in years—she gave people a home. Whether they were her biological children, adopted children, foster children, grandchildren, great-grandchildren, great-great-grandchildren, relatives, or friends, Velma created a place where people could gather, eat, laugh, celebrate, and belong.

Her life spanned generations, and her love reached even further.

Velma Singleton will be deeply missed, but the love, laughter, traditions, lessons, and memories she gave her family will continue to live on. Her spirit will remain present at family gatherings, around dinner tables, during the holidays, whenever the blues are playing, and every time someone tells a story that begins, “Remember when Grandma Velma…”

Her name, her love, and her legacy will never be forgotten.