Mary Singleton

Mary Singleton, born on December 29, 1941, passed away on September 22, 2024, leaving behind a legacy of love, warmth, and wanderlust. A remarkable woman with a spirit as vibrant as a favorite color, yellow, Mary touched the lives of many and will be sorely missed. 

Mary is preceded in death by her father, Bruce Loyd Cook; mother, Annie Laura Smithey Cook; brother, Jackie Cook; and sister, Susan Cook Logan. 

Mary is survived by her loving husband, John Singleton; brother, Bobby (Jane) Cook of Fairview, TX; nephew, Joseph Cook of Heflin, TN; and Cheryl Cook Tolbert of Mesquite, TX. 

Raised in the small town of Heflin, Louisiana, Mary was a proud graduate of Heflin High School before pursuing her studies at Louisiana Tech. Mary possessed a unique personality that drew people to her; she radiated joy and kindness, always eager to share her love for adventure with those around her.

A devoted traveler, Mary found her favorite places in the landscapes of Italy and the atmosphere of the South of France. Alongside her beloved husband, John, she embarked on countless journeys; exploring the rich cultures of London, Portugal, Spain, Turkey, Egypt, Poland, Greece, Switzerland, Hungary, The Netherlands, and many more destinations that nourished her desire for travel. Each trip was a chapter in a beautiful story, one she deeply cherished.

Mary’s personality made it easy for stars to be drawn to her. Dolly Parton told her “Girl, I wasn’t as skinny as you are when I was in the 3rd grade”! Cher once asked, “Mary, does my bottom look too big for this dress?”

Mary attracted many who would lock onto her and stare for a moment, including Rod Stewart, George Hamilton, Danny Thomas (who stepped on her foot on accident), Lauren Bacall, Whoopi Goldberg (thought she was an actress!), and many others. George Jones sang his most iconic song to Mary, He Stopped Loving Her Today, in an elevator in Nashville. Hank Snow winked at Mary backstage at a Grand Ole Opry show and said, “Hello Doll”! Mary had so many memorable encounters with household names, including, Willie Nelson, Roger Moore, Web Pierce, and Sam Philips. 

Mary was once mistaken for a contestant in the Miss USA Beauty Pageant by some pilots, which should not come as a surprise to anyone. According to John, she was more beautiful than any of the other girls in the pageant. 

In her younger years, Mary found joy in cooking. She carried a love for fur caps that spoke to her unique sense of style, each piece a reflection of her bold personality. In celebration of her life, Mary made unforgettable memories in Los Angeles, where she joyously celebrated her birthday on multiple occasions, surrounded by the laughter and love of her husband, John.

As we remember Mary Singleton, let us hold on to the memories she created and the love she shared. Her adventurous spirit and heart have left a mark on all who knew her. Though she may have left this world, the essence of Mary will forever remain in our hearts, inspiring us to seek new horizons and to embrace the beauty of life and love as she so passionately did.