Joyce "Faye" Carter

Joyce "Faye" Rutherford, Singleton, Carter, a beloved member of the Cleveland, Texas community, passed away peacefully on December 23, 2025, at the age of 92. Born on March 12, 1933, in Cleveland, Texas, or as she affectionately said, “March Dozen”. Faye was known for her warmth and kind spirit. She was a faithful servant to the Lord. Faye loved the outdoors and also loved quilting.

To everyone who knew and loved Faye Carter, she passed away peacefully in her sleep early this morning. She was such a big part of the Senior Center for many years. She served on the Board of Directors, worked in the resale shop, worked the front desk, and volunteered for every job she could. She also was a huge part of Cleveland Hospital’s Senior Circle, organizing trips for seniors. Faye also played a major role in fundraising to keep the Texan Theater alive. To know Faye was to love her, and she leaves behind countless friends. Our hearts are heavy with her passing, but she is in now in her Heavenly home.

Faye is survived by her loving children, Leslie Singleton and wife Trudy, and Sandra Ragon. Her brothers, Dennis Ray Rutherford and wife Patricia, DW Rutherford and Donna Grundy. Faye's family grew over the years, including her cherished grandchildren: Dena Kirkland, Danielle Humphries and husband Brian, and Stewart Singleton and Brianna Warren. Additionally, Faye was blessed with great-grandchildren Brandon Wilson and Becca Lougee, Kerstyn Bryan and husband Connor, Gary Hardin and wife Meghan, and Dylan Johnson. Her family continued to expand with great-great-grandchildren Beckham & Brooklyn Wilson, Palmer & Campbell Bryan (Expected 2026), Madalee, Merric, Maverik Hardin, Kouvr, and Saylem Johnson. Faye’s Georgia family Pat Carter-Stout and Toya Stout Velez and her husband Maurico, and Gabrille Velez. Faye’s Mississippi family, Corma Carter, Larry Micheal Carter, Renata Carter Richardson, and Tammy Carter.

Faye was preceded in death by her beloved husbands, Marion Archie Singleton, and Carley Jarrold Carter, and her parents, Joseph “Jody” Hardy Rutherford, Sr. and Lona “Granny” Mae Rutherford. She was also preceded by the loss of her brothers Garland Foster Rutherford, JC “Jack” Rutherford, and Joseph “Joe” Hardy Rutherford, Jr., as well as her sisters Helen Ruth Beshears, Lillian Nadean Hopkins, Alma Christine Faulkner, Francis Dale "Tiny" Everitt.

A visitation will be held on Saturday, December 27, 2025, from 10:00 AM to 12:00 PM at Neal Funeral Home, located at 200 S Washington Ave, Cleveland, TX 77327. This will be followed by a funeral service on the same day at 12:00 PM at the same location. Immediately following the service Faye will be laid to rest at Morgan Cemetery in Cleveland, Texas.

Faye Carter will be remembered not only for her dedication to her family but also for her gentle nature and unwavering spirit. She touched the lives of many, and her memory will forever be cherished by those who knew and loved her.

All services are being handled under the trusted care of Neal Funeral Home