Mrs Ruth Singleton Middleton

Entered into eternal rest on Sunday, July 2, 2017 Mrs. Ruth Singleton Middleton. Residence: 8631 Highway 17 N., McClellanville, SC The relatives and friends of Mrs. Ruth Singleton Middleton are invited to attend her funeral service Friday, July 7, 2017 11:00 Am at Greater Zion AME Church, 4174 Highway 17 N., Awendaw, SC 29429 Interment: Church Cemetery OBITUARY RUTH BARBARA SINGLETON MIDDLETON, daughter of the late Mary W. and Albert “Sunny” Singleton, was born in Charleston, SC and at an early age moved to Ten Mile in Awendaw to live with her beloved Grandmother Rose Williams. In 1947, she became a member of Greater Zion A.M.E. Church under the pastorate of the late Rev. William M. Jackson. Ruth was married to the late Jerry L. Middleton, Sr., a former principal of Lincoln High School in McClellanville, SC. To this union, which lasted 55 years, two sons were born, Navarro Wendell, and Jerry Jr. (Lewis). The family embarked on adventurous annual vacations, visiting 45 of the 50 states, as well as Europe and Africa. Ruth began her education at Gregorie Elementary School (Yellow House) in Awendaw, SC, matriculating to Laing High School in Mt. Pleasant, SC. She was one of the first persons of color, east of the Cooper, to receive the Charleston County Department of Education Scholarship. She used this scholarship to attend and receive a Bachelor of Science Degree in Elementary Education from South Carolina State College. She furthered her education at Teacher’s College of Columbia University in New York, earning the Master of Arts Degree in Childhood Education – Older Children. She was the first college graduate and teacher from the Ten Mile section of Awendaw. Ruth began her vast teaching career at Texas Elementary School in St. George, SC before moving on to a five-year assignment at Buist Elementary, in Charleston. In 1959, Ruth joined the teaching staff at Jennie Moore Elementary School in Mount Pleasant. In 1968, she was transferred to Sullivan’s Island Elementary as a part of the desegregation effort. After that tenure, she was thrilled to return “home” to Jennie Moore Elementary in 1977. She retired after 30 dedicated years of teaching. During her married years Ruth was a faithful member of Greater Howard Chapel A.M.E. Church in Buck Hall where she served as chairman of the Willing Workers Auxiliary, a member of the church’s Educational Steering Committee, Missionary Society member, and Director of the Young People’s Department (YPD). She was an active member of the East Cooper Interdenominational Mass Choir where she served as Treasurer. Five years ago, she was pleased to return to her home membership at Greater Zion A.M.E. Dedicated to rending service to mankind, Ruth was initiated into the Gamma Xi Alumnae Chapter of Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority, Inc., and later became a Life Member. An avid traveler, Ruth voyaged with the AKA Post Boule tours to Europe, where she visited Germany, Austria, France, Brussels, and England. Ruth was also the founder of the “New Frontiers Federated Club” of McClellanville, SC. She enjoyed her membership in the Hat Ladies of Charleston, as well as the Retired Teachers Association. Ruth had the greenest of thumbs and loved everything about flowers and plants! She used that green thumb to take her yard from bare dirt and grass in 1960 to make that yard a glorious garden! Upon her retirement, she actively engaged in artistry, carrying on the crafts that she learned from her late grandmother, Rose Williams. From sweetgrass basketry, wreathmaking, flower-vending, and crocheting, to creating custom interior design draperies, bedspreads, pillows, and woodcrafts, Ruth shared her artistic skills with the world. It was during this time while she was lovingly following the footsteps of her grandmother Rose, that GOD brought to her the daughter she always wanted, Grace. Their meeting wasn’t by chance, and from the first locking of eyes, and the words exchanged, this became as though it was always meant to be! Ruth was always passionate about educating children; and she took great pride in preserving cultural history. God blessed Ruth with longevity and a youthful spirit. At age 85, she was thrilled to ride a bicycle for the first time, still be able to mow grass, manually “sling” weeds, paint yard fences and yes, even climb a tree! While all of these activities were frowned upon, her physical stamina and creativity were marveled by all who witnessed. These manifestations of her indominable spirit encouraged and inspired Ruth’s family, friends, colleagues, and students. Ruth was always thankful to GOD for her accomplishments, the Charleston County Department of Education for her four-year scholarship, and everyone who touched the milestones along her journey with prayer and kind deeds. Ruth leaves to cherish her memories two sons, Navarro (Jenny) Middleton, Jerry Jr. (Nevette) Middleton, daughter, Grace (Arthur) Grier, sister-in-law, Josephine Washington; specially recognized extended children, Rosalind Rivers, Molsie Green, and Ronald A. Ravenell; five grandchildren Gabriel, Nicolas, Stephen, Dawn, and Courtney; great-grandchild Kayla; and a host of nephews, nieces, cousins and special friends. Viewing for Mrs. Middleton is Thursday, July 6, 2017 at The Bryan McNeal, Sr., Memorial Chapel, 4129 Highway 17 N., Awendaw, SC 29429 from 5:00 to 7:00 PM. The family will receive friends from 5:30 to 7:00 PM

Mrs Ruth Singleton Middleton

August 10, 1931 - July 2, 2017