Ms. Mary Ann Elizabeth Singleton

Some people leave behind memories. Others leave behind a legacy that continues to shape generations. Mary Ann Elizabeth Griffin Singleton was one of those extraordinary women. On July 30, 2026, she peacefully departed this life, leaving behind a family strengthened by her love, a community enriched by her service, and countless lives forever changed by her kindness.

Mary was born on June 2, 1945, in Greenville, South Carolina. From an early age, she embodied the strength, resilience, and compassion that would define her life. Those qualities became the foundation upon which she built a remarkable legacy of faith, family, service, and unconditional love.

A woman of unwavering grace, wisdom, and perseverance, Mary dedicated her life to loving her family and serving others. She possessed a quiet strength that comforted the broken, encouraged the weary, and inspired everyone blessed to know her. Her warmth, generosity, and unwavering faith left an unforgettable mark on every life she touched.

She was preceded in death by her beloved husband, Alvin Singleton, Sr.; her parents, Codal Griffin and Lizzie Mae Hall; her beloved son, Timothy Griffin, Sr.; and her bonus daughter, Layvonne Garner, all of whom she longed to see again in eternity.

She leaves to cherish her precious memory her loving children: Towanda La “Faye” Griffin, Alvin “Papa” Singleton, Jr., and bonus daughter, Linda Garner.

Mary is also survived by her brothers, Codell Griffin and John T. Hall, and her sisters, Cynthia Griffin and Terry Griffin, along with a host of nieces, nephews, cousins, extended family members, and lifelong friends who will forever treasure her memory.

Believing that education opened doors to greater opportunities to serve others, Mary earned both her Bachelor’s Degree and Master’s Degree. She faithfully dedicated more than 30 years of her life as a Licensed Clinical Social Worker at Harlem Hospital in New York City. There, she became known for her compassion, advocacy, professionalism, and unwavering commitment to helping individuals and families navigate some of life’s most difficult seasons. She did more than perform a job—she answered a calling to serve.

For more than 50 years, Harlem was not simply where Mary lived—it was home. Throughout the neighborhood she became affectionately known as “Ms. Mary.” Whether offering wise counsel, sharing a warm smile, extending a helping hand, or simply listening without judgment, she made everyone she encountered feel valued and loved. Her presence brought comfort, and her kindness left lasting impressions that reached far beyond her own family.

Mary’s ministry extended well beyond the walls of the hospital. She had a remarkable gift for making people feel seen, heard, and accepted. Whether someone was family, a lifelong friend, or a complete stranger, she welcomed them with sincerity, wisdom, and compassion. Her home became a place of refuge, her conversations a source of encouragement, and her life a testimony of what it means to love others selflessly. To know Mary was to experience genuine kindness wrapped in quiet strength.

Above every accomplishment, Mary’s greatest joy was her family. She leaves behind 10 grandchildren, 8 bonus grandchildren, and 8 great-grandchildren, each of whom held a special place in her heart. Her love will continue to live on through every lesson she taught, every tradition she established, and every life she nurtured.

Among those especially dear to her was her devoted nephew, David Griffin, whose unwavering love, faithfulness, and presence remained a constant source of comfort throughout her life. Mary often spoke of how much he meant to her. In one of her final conversations, she shared that she couldn’t wait to get to Heaven to tell her sister, Shirley, what an incredible blessing David had been in her life. Those heartfelt words beautifully capture the depth of her gratitude and the extraordinary bond they shared.

Mary’s life was a living example of faith in action. She believed in caring for others, standing beside those in need, and giving of herself without expecting anything in return. She was a woman of integrity, resilience, compassion, and unwavering love. The seeds she planted through her wisdom, generosity, and service will continue to bear fruit for generations to come.

Although our hearts grieve her absence, we celebrate a life beautifully lived and a woman deeply loved. Her legacy is woven into the hearts of her children, grandchildren, family, friends, colleagues, and everyone fortunate enough to have known her. While her earthly journey has ended, the impact of her life will continue to echo through the countless lives she touched.

As Mary would often remind those she loved, “Don’t cry for me. I’ve lived my life” and indeed, she did.

She lived with purpose. She loved without reservation. She served with compassion. She gave generously, forgave freely, and remained steadfast through every season of life. While we will forever miss her laughter, wisdom, comforting presence, and unconditional love, we find peace in knowing she has heard the words every faithful servant longs to hear:

“Well done, good and faithful servant. Enter into the joy of your Lord.” — Matthew 25:23