Thomas Singleton

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On a fateful Wednesday in October 2024, at Strong Memorial Hospital in Rochester, NY, Thomas Singleton, also known as "Skeeter," heard the divine call of God beckoning him home. With grace and peace, he spread his wings and embarked on his journey to reunite with his creator.
Born to the late Fred Singleton, Jr. and Wilhelmenia White Singleton, Thomas's life story began amidst loss and resilience. With his parents dying while he was at the age of six, he found solace and guidance in the loving care of Robert Lee White and Bessie Elizabeth Chandler White, with Joseph McCullough Jr. also playing a crucial role in his upbringing.
From his early days at Saint Mark Elementary School to his graduation from Saint Mark High School in 1969, Thomas was a cherished member of the community. Known for his wit and charm, he engaged in various extracurricular activities, from the marching band to the Boys Scouts of America, always bringing laughter and joy wherever he went. His talent for comedy shone through, especially as part of the family gospel singing group, known as Willie and the Highlighters, where he lip-sang with gusto.
In school, Thomas and his buddies were as close as two rubber bands stuck together; they were ride or die. However, Thomas was always ready to stir up trouble and then sneak away, leaving his friends to fend for themselves while he laughed from the sidelines.
Thomas joined Asbury United Methodist Church in Andrews, SC at an early age wearing many hats along the way. From teaching Sunday School to manning the usher board, he even took on the role of church custodian. However, his claim to fame brought the laughs with his cooking and serving skills. He may have done it modestly, but his eyes surely said, "Save some for the rest of us, folks!"
After completing his education, Thomas made Rochester his home away from home. In the big city of Rochester, Thomas felt like he was the whole bag of chips and then some. He was a social butterfly, somehow acquiring a ton of produce without ever planting a garden. He also caught the travel bug, making sure to look casket sharp in his three-piece suits or plaid shirts with perfectly creased slacks whenever he visited family and friends in SC. Skeeter was smooth as butter, always saying "It is what it is?" We all loved having him around and dreaded saying goodbye when he headed back to Rochester. He always packed his car full of goodies to take with him, whether it was Scott's barbecue, butter beans, green peanuts, or whatever else he could squeeze in. Life was just more fun when Skeeter was in town.
Thomas was a big jokester, yet he touched the lives of those around him with his dedication and kindness. A loyal father, brother, and friend, he selflessly put others' needs above his own, embodying the true spirit of generosity and compassion. Despite his jovial demeanor, Thomas was a hardworking individual, excelling in various roles such as at Gleason Works and even trying his hand at being a "master chef" at S & T Lounge. He went a step further and even drove for his nephew's business, known as Sonnie's Transportation.
While in Rochester, Thomas joined Genesis Baptist Church and later moved his membership to the Church of Christ and continued the same legacy that he initiated at his home church in South Carolina.
As he journeyed through the ups and downs of life, Thomas's unyielding work ethic and commitment to excellence inspired all who knew him. While his story on Earth may have come to an end, his legacy of love and laughter will continue to resonate in the hearts of those he touched.
In answering God's call, Thomas Singleton not only embraced the end of his earthly tale but also embarked on a new chapter in eternity, where his spirit will forever shine bright with humor and warmth.
Thomas was preceded in death by one brother, Willie Singleton; three sisters, Cylinda Singleton Anderson, Mary Singleton Johnson, and Margaret White Vereen; one brother-in-law, Clarence Vereen and one nephew, Marcus Vereen.
He leaves to cherish his memories his loving daughter, Francesca Francina Snow and granddaughter, Kanye Ithaca Snow-Dixon of Rochester, NY; his siblings, Fred Singleton of Ridgeville, SC; Wilma S. Frasier of Rochester, NY; and the baby, whom he called "Ruby," Reverend Pernerva (Reverend John P.) Thomas of Kingstree, SC; a cousin who shared in his rearing, Mary W. McCullough of Andrews, SC; two aunts, Beulah Heyward and Leatha Dozier of Kingstree, SC; five cousins who were like siblings, Joyce Carman of Hillsboro, NJ; Barbara (Bethel) Davis, Tasia (Cedric) Hudson; Roderick (Ramona) McCullough, and J. Travoy McCullough all of Andrews, SC; step sisters and brothers, The Andersons; two nephews who were inspirational in his life's journey, Minister Timothy Singleton of Andrews, SC and Eldrie Anderson of Rochester, NY; two brothers-in-law, Alex Anderson (who provided him directions) of Georgetown, SC and Jack Johnson of Rochester, NY; a sister-in-law, Bernice Cooper Singleton of Andrews, SC; and a host of nieces, nephews, cousins and friends.