Obituary of Michele Clayton Singletary

Michele Clayton Singletary passed away on June 1, 2022 from metastatic breast cancer.  She did not like the phrase “battled” with respect to cancer, though she did endure it with warrior-like strength and at all times, hope. Her fierce determination to be a part of the lives of her two sons as long as possible kept her going. Raising and loving them was the joy of her life. 

Her life began in Westerly, Rhode Island, though her northern accent and hatred of grits would be erased by an upbringing in Charleston(truth be told, Ladson).  She spent college summers lifeguarding and graduated from the College of Charleston, eventually earning a Masters Degree in Education.  She taught Forensics and Science at Hanahan High School, and coached the Hanahan Golf team for seven years, assisted by her father Lloyd.  Her compassion, humor and love of teaching made her a favorite among her students.  Her free time was spent working the concession stand at high school sporting events and tutoring Homebound students.

Her dedication to work and her family was only slightly surpassed by her passion for her favorite foods (warm brownies, lobster rolls with butter, all carnival food), watching dolphins swim (preferably a Mom and a baby), floating in the ocean, and singing along to Fleetwood Mac.  Mentionable among her many talents: repairing motors/appliances, maintaining a CDL, driving a boat, and scoring a good bargain. She had a great wit and irreverence, and her friendship enriched the lives of many. She will be deeply missed.

She is survived by her sons William and Ryan Singletary, as well as her loving parents Ellen and Lloyd Clayton, her older sister Christine Canivan, and her soul sister Becky Ellison. She also leaves behind her paternal grandmother Etta Mae Rowell and numerous beloved aunts, uncles, cousins, nieces and nephews.  

She was grateful to the many nurses and doctors at Charleston Hematology and Oncology, especially Dr. George Keogh and Corin Jaynes. Also the family wishes to thank the many people whose kindness and selflessness sustained us all in Michele’s final weeks(Kristin Johnson you were a life raft to us).

In Michele’s memory donations may be made to the Breast Cancer Research Foundation at give.bcrf.org or The Breast Cancer Research Foundation  28 West 44th Street, Suite 609, New York, NY 10036.

A funeral mass will be held at Immaculate Conception in Goose Creek on June 10 at 4PM.

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