Dr. Pearlie B. Singleton

1930 - 2016

Dr. Pearlie B. Singleton

Born: Nov. 19, 1930

Died: March 21, 2016

Dr. Pearlie Beatrice Dexter Singleton, age 85, made her transition into eternity on Monday, March 21, 2016.

She was born to Willie and Georgia Dexter in Tallulah, Louisiana on November 19, 1930. On September 12, 1947, Pearl married Isaac Singleton. They were married for 63 years. During that time, Pearl stood at her husband's side as he pastored three churches, which included Mt. Zion Baptist Church in Joliet, Illinois for nearly 50 years. She also stood with him as he fought injustices for all people throughout the country. Their union was one that has changed the lives of thousands of people throughout the world.

Aside from assisting her husband in his call, First Lady Pearl Singleton was answering one of her own. She started the first GED classes which were held at Mt. Zion Baptist Church. She then held the first graduation at the church. There she also started the mission ministry and the women's ministry. She also implemented the first ministers' wives' ministry at Mt. Zion, which grew to involve and include minister's wives throughout the entire state of Illinois.

In 1978, Pearl Singleton worked at Joliet Junior College and became a counselor in Adult Education. After 25 years of service, she retired.

Dr. Pearl Singleton received an Honorary Doctorate Degree in Theology on August 17, 2013 for her work in the ministry. Not only is Pearl Singleton known as an educator, she was also a singer. Known for speaking and teaching internationally as well as locally, Dr. Pearl Singleton had a genuine concern for women, as she dedicated her life to helping women to advance in the Kingdom. She is the founder and chairperson of the Midwest Christian Women's Conference, reaching out to women around the world encouraging and motivating them to find their purpose in life and live it according to God's will.

For 13 years, Pearl Singleton served as President of the Baptist General State Convention of Illinois, Women's Auxiliary. Under her leadership, a retreat was born and later named in her honor. She was also past president of Church Women United of Joliet for seven years and past president for three terms of the Lebanon District Association Women's Auxiliary. She has been a member of the National Hookup of Black Woman Inc. For ten years, she served on the board of directors of the Women's Auxiliary of the National Baptist Convention.

Pearl served her community in many capacities, receiving numerous awards and recognitions during her lifetime: Board of Directors of the Easter Seal Rehabilitation Center of Will and Grundy Counties, JJC Foundation Board member, Deaconess at Mt. Zion Baptist Church.

Pearl is preceded in death by her parents; and her husband, Dr. Isaac Singleton, Sr.

She is survived by six children, Gloria Singleton-Hayes, Isaac Singleton, Jr. both of Joliet, Barbara (Pastor Alvin) Edwards of Charlottesville, Virginia, Pastor Charles (Charlyn) Singleton of Ontario, California, Valerie Jean Singleton of Fontana, California and Willie (Ladonna) Singleton of McKinney, Texas. She is also survived by 19 grandchildren, 19 great grandchildren, and two great great grandchildren. She also leaves in God's care a host of other relatives and friends.

Dr. Pearl Singleton will lie in repose on Saturday, April 2, 2016 from 12:00 noon to 5:00 PM at Mt. Zion Baptist Church, 402 Singleton Pl., Joliet, IL. On Sunday, April 3, 2016, visitation will be held from 4:00 until 5:00 PM with a concert at 4:30 PM. Celebratory service continues for Dr. Pearl Singleton at 5:00 PM, Dr. David G. Latimore, officiating and Pastor Charles "Chuck" Singleton will be the eulogist. Interment on Monday, April 4, 2016 10:00 AM at Abraham Lincoln National Cemetery, Elwood, IL.

Minor-Morris Funeral Home, Ltd.

112 Richards St. (815) 723-1283