MARY SINGLETON PRIOLEAU

Mary Singleton Prioleau was a mother, grandmother, great-grandmother and matriarch who was defined by a warm heart and friendly smile. A life that began 88 years ago and touched and inspired a family that loved, honored and cherished her, she was born on July 28, 1934, in Sumter County, and departed this life on Saturday, Jan. 7, 2023, at her home.

She was a daughter of the late Nelson and Rosa B. Singleton. She was married to the late Allen G. Prioleau Sr. She was reared in Sumter County, where she attended the public schools. Mary possessed an independent spirit. She always sacrificed in order to provide great opportunities for her family. To Mary, being a Christian meant showing it through her daily walk of life. At an early age, she joined the High Hills Baptist Church, where she was deeply involved in her church auxiliaries and assumed many leadership roles. She served actively in the following organizations until her health failed: member of the senior choir (treasurer), choir number two, pastor's aide ministry, senior missionary society, Sunday school and Vacation Bible School. She loved her church and her pastor. Mary dutifully worked for the Shaw Air Force Base Lodging / Billeting office for 34 years.

Those left to cherish her memories: her caregiver and loving son, retired Sgt. First Class Henry L. (Carrie) Prioleau of Rembert; twin sister, Martha S. Prioleau of Dalzell; daughter-in-law, Mary B. Prioleau of Clarksville, Tennessee; grandchildren, Shemika (Mark) Weems of Westpoint, Utah, retired Sgt. First Class Amber Anderson of Blythewood, Priya Prioleau of Stafford, Virginia, and Alexander Prioleau of Woodbridge, Virginia; great-grandchildren, Seaman Basic Jayln House of OSSN Shio, Japan, and Ayanna Anderson of Blythewood; sisters-in-law, Janie Prioleau, Lou Alice Prioleau of Dalzell and Albertha Singleton of New York; special childhood friend, Emma Engligh of Wedgefield; caretakers, her beautiful nieces, Sandra Prioleau and Brenda Land of Dalzell; goddaughters, Jacqueline Johnson of Dalzell and Jana M. Hunter of Waldorf, Maryland; and a host of nieces, nephews, cousins, relatives and friends.

She was preceded in death by her children, Dorothy Ann Prioleau and Allen G. Prioleau Jr.; sisters, Minnie Singleton, Lula Singleton, Janie Alston and Mamie Anderson; brothers, Israel Singleton and Lawson Singleton; sisters-in-law, Mary P. Wade, Emma Prioleau, Rosa Lee Prioleau, Vermel Edwards and Theola Singleton; and brothers-in-law, John Henry, Samuel Jr., Roosevelt and Alexander Prioleau.

In accordance with the COVID-19 guidelines, the family is requesting that face masks and social distancing be observed by relatives and friends during visitation at the home, 6325 Catchall Road, Dalzell.

Wake service will be held from noon to 1 p.m. today with viewing of remains until 6 p.m. at the John Wesley Williams Sr. Memorial Chapel of Williams Funeral Home Inc., 821 N. Main St., Sumter.

The remains will be placed in the church at 11 a.m. for viewing until time of services.

Funeral services will be held at noon on Saturday at High Hills Baptist Church, 6750 Meeting House Road, Dalzell, with the Rev. Donald Amis, pastor, eulogist.

The procession will leave the home at 11:30 a.m.

Burial will be in High Hills Baptist Churchyard Cemetery.

Services directed by the management and staff of Williams Funeral Home Inc., 821 N. Main St., Sumter. Online memorial messages may be sent to the family at williamsfuneralhome@sc.rr.com. Visit us on the web at www.WilliamsFuneralHomeInc.com.