Mary Young Singleton

Mary was an accomplished artist among Wilmington’s decorative Painters society and a great teacher sharing her knowledge with Wilmington’s art community.

Mary Singleton was born in Lawsonville, NC on August 7, 1929. She attended Lawsonville’s elementary school until the family moved to Swansboro, NC where her father and uncle helped with the construction of Camp Lejeune as part of the World War II effort. Growing up in that era, Mary endured the tumultuous effects of the great depression and World War II which shaped her character and strengthened her resolve.

Moving with her family to Jacksonville, NC, Mary excelled academically in Jacksonville schools and set her sights on a career in office management and furniture production. She joined High Point Business School where her uncles (the Young family) established a successful furniture manufacturing company that became famous for making high-end furniture.

Destiny had different plans for Mary; upon returning to Jacksonville, she met her future husband James (Jim) Lee Singleton in Wilmington, NC and started a new chapter in their lives. Jim was a military man with ambitions to move up the army ranks while serving his country. The newlyweds went on a whirlwind tour of the country and overseas, serving in various posts while growing the family. An extended Pentagon tour in the Washington, DC metro area introduced Mary to the fine arts.

She was captivated by the culture and vowed to refine her skills in painting. Returning to Wilmington in 1974 after Jim’s retirement, Mary had the opportunity to immerse herself in the art of painting. After Jim’s sudden passing in 1983, Mary dedicated herself to the family and to her art. Countless hours burning the midnight oil produced a vast collection of paintings and painted objects. We used to say “If it sat still for more than five minutes Gran will paint on it”.

Mary (Gran) was a wonderful, kind, and a loving mother and grandmother. She was adored by her family, friends, and neighbors. She was respected by the art community in Wilmington. She won multiple awards including the White House selection of her Christmas Ornament in 2004 to hang on the White House Christmas Tree.

Mary was preceded in death by her husband Jim, and her brothers Thomas Young and Guy Young. She is survived by her children Michael Jay, Frederick Arthur, and Candice Ann, her grandchildren George, James, and Danielle, and her great-grandchildren Maggie, Maeve, and Arthur Jay.

In Lieu of flowers, donations may be made to St. Andrews Covenant Presbyterian Church, 1416 Market Street, phone#910-762-9693

Graveside Service will be held at 2:00pm on Friday December 5, 2025 at Greenlawn Memorial Park, 1311 Shipyard Blvd, Wilmington, NC 28412.

Condolences may be sent to the family at www.coblegreenlawn.com.