Kelia Marie Singleton-Guillory

1975 - 2021

Funeral services will be held Saturday, July 3, 2021, at 11:00 a.m. at Philadelphia Christian Church (200 W. Willow Street) in Lafayette for Kelia Singleton-Guillory, age 46, the former Kelia Marie Singleton, who passed away Saturday, June 26, 2021, at her home in Sunset. Interment will be in St. Charles Borromeo Cemetery in Grand Coteau. Pastor Omar Thibeaux of Philadelphia Christian Church will officiate the services. Kelia Singleton-Guillory was born on January 9, 1975, to the late Francis Singleton, Jr. and the late Catherine Early Singleton in Lafayette, LA. Kelia accepted Christ at an early age and she was baptized by her childhood pastor, Reverend Hillman Sonnier at St. Peter Baptist Church in Lafayette, LA. Kelia was a native and lifelong resident of Sunset. She attended Sunset High School in Sunset, LA, and was a graduate of Beau Chene High School in Arnaudville, LA. As a member of the Class of 1993, Kelia was a basketball homecoming queen and star athlete, earning a four-year letterman in basketball and softball. She went on to graduate in 1998 from Southern University in Baton Rouge, LA with a Bachelor's Degree in Secondary English Education. Kelia continued her studies at Southern University where she obtained her Master's Degree Plus 30 in Administration and Supervision and Counseling. Her professional career began as an English-education teacher in St. Landry Parish at South Street Elementary in Opelousas, LA. In addition to her time at South Street, Kelia continued teaching in the Opelousas community for 15+ years, most notably at Opelousas Junior High School. She went on to become a co-founder of an educational center, One Accord Outreach, which served the broader Opelousas community. An active member of the community, Kelia was a delegate and District 3 Board of Director Member of the Louisiana Association of Educators as well as a delegate of the St. Landry Association of Educators. She was a member of the Louisiana Counseling Association and American School Counselor Association. Kelia was a Diamond Life Member of Delta Sigma Theta Sorority, Inc where she belonged to the Opelousas Alumnae Chapter. She was also a lifetime member of the Order of Eastern Star. All of her community and professional involvement was very special to her; however, what was the nearest and dearest to her heart was being a full-time mom, wife, sister, daughter, niece, cousin, friend, and Aunt Kee. On July 22, 2006, Kelia was united in marriage to Simon Guillory. She was a dedicated member of Philadelphia Christian Church in Lafayette under Pastor Omar Thibeaux since 2012 when she joined with her husband and son. She served as a faithful member of the Worship and Creative Arts Ministry and in several other capacities in the Nursery Ministry, as Philadelphia 12 Group leader, and as a member of the Marriage Ministry and the Women Who Win business group. Kelia was simply unforgettable. To know her was to love her. She was known for her contagious smile, quick-witted humor, supportive nature, encouraging spirit, and graceful disposition. Kelia mastered the art of taking the perfect selfie and loved to travel, cook, and dance. She exemplified what it meant to genuinely love people. To everyone, she was a close friend and went out of her way to help anyone. She loved to love on those who loved her and will be missed by many. Kelia leaves to cherish her memories one son, Brandon Rodgers of New Orleans, LA; one stepdaughter, Ciera Guillory of Sunset, LA; two sisters, Shana Singleton Pullum (Marion) of Madison, AL, and Terysa Ridgeway (Alajahwon) of Lafayette, LA; a godmother, Sheryl Singleton; two godchildren, Marvin Davis and Austin Pullum; one niece, Caitlyn Ridgeway and four nephews, Cyrus Ridgeway, Austin Pullum, Cairo Ridgeway, and Caine Ridgeway; and a host of relatives and friends. She was preceded in death by her husband, Simon Guillory; her parents, Francis "Coach Sing" Singleton, Jr. and the former Catherine Early; maternal grandparents, Howard Armstrong and Yvonne Early Donahue Armstrong; and paternal grandparents, Francis Singleton, Sr. and Leona Fuselier Singleton. The family requests that visiting hours be observed from 9:00 a.m. until service time on Saturday. An Omega Omega service will be held at 9:30 a.m. View the obituary and guestbook online at www.melanconfuneralhome.net. Melancon Funeral Home, Evangeline Memorial Gardens Chapel, 4117 N. University Ave., Carencro, (337) 896-3232, is in charge of arrangements.