Ethel M. Singletary

Sunrise: May 7, 1980 – Sunset: August 17, 2025

With profound sadness, the family of Ethel Margaret Singletary announces her passing on Sunday, August 17, 2025. Born on May 7, 1980, Ethel was a shining light whose love, compassion, and generosity touched countless lives.

Ethel was a devoted mother to her two beautiful daughters, Alisa “LeeLee” Watkins and Delanna “Bunny” McClain, who were the center of her world, guardian to Brenda “BB” Bradley, and bonus mom to son Elshyan Tarver.

Ethel is the cherished daughter of Markedia Singletary Macon…….

“My dearest girl, your laughter gone

Too soon for me to bear—

A piece of me went with you

The moment you weren’t there.

No time to say a last goodbye,

Your memory fills my days;

Love everlasting holds you close

Though death took you away.

Your dreams, your smile, your gentle voice,

Still echo in my heart—

A mother’s love, undimmed by loss,

No distance keeps apart.”

~ Kit / Ma (Markedia Macon)

Ethel is the beloved sister to Markedia “KeeKee” Shropshire, William “Will” Shropshire (wife Tamesia Thomas), the Oliver siblings: Zamier, Christopher, Jasmine, and Isaiah. The Shropshire family (Angie, Richard, Terrance). Ethel adored her nieces and nephews – Marquise, Saraya “RayRay”, Brenda “BB” Bradley, Areana, Vereshun, Zayonna, Sincere, and William “Baby Will” Shropshire IV.

She was the favorite niece of her aunts Delores “Mallissa” Quirley (deceased), Audrey Singletary of Atlanta, Georgia and Aunt Donna Norwood of Schenectady, New York, who loved her dearly. She was also the God sister to many – Mark & Mellissa, and the second daughter to Tamara “Tammy” El Zubair.

She shared a special bond of love, domestic partnership, and companionship with Shawn “Pop” Watkins (LeeLee), Lashaunda (Shaunda) Tarver (Elshyan), and Hussain McClain (Bunny), each of whom held irreplaceable places in her heart.

Professionally, Ethel dedicated over 25 years of service as a highly respected and compassionate healthcare professional and licensed Practical Nurse (LPN) at Shaker Place Rehabilitation Facility. Her commitment to her work, and her patients left a lasting mark of excellence and care that will not be forgotten.

Ethel was also known as the heart of her family and community, a loved friend to everyone she met, and a strong guiding presence for Laura Bethune’s immediate children & their children in Schenectady and Albany. She was a beloved cousin and confidant to Leyanna “Mooch” Johnson (Roman, Designer, Raymell), Nqueishia “Nyshie” Quirley, Valerie Tibbs, Aneisha Dobbs Sims, Dustin & Tiffany Hines, Amena “MeMe” Bethune, Nicole “ShayShay” Graham, Shawney Knight, Tirae Knight, Gammen Knight, K. Norwood, Donashia Hemingway, Sean and Andre Gary, as well as the extended Bethune, Singletary, Oliver, and Tarver families.

Though Ethel leaves behind a legacy of love, she is not alone in her heavenly journey. She now rejoins her beloved Aunt, and Best Friend Deloris “Mallissa” Carter (who passed in 2021), granddaughter Loyalty Watkins, Grandfather Jasper Singletary, DeLanno Hussain McClain, along with Aunt Betty Singletary, and many other loved ones who have gone before her.

Her memory will forever be treasured as a devoted mother, daughter, sister, niece, cousin, godmother, and friend. Her laughter, warmth, love of music, good food/cooking, Christmas, Disney, traveling, card games, sports, dancing, shopping, restaurants, and unwavering love will live on in the hearts of her family and the countless lives she touched.

On behalf of the family of Ethel Margaret Singletary, we offer our deepest gratitude for the outpouring of love, support, and condolences during this difficult time. Your heartfelt prayers, kind words, and acts of kindness have been a great comfort to us all, especially to her loving mother, Markedia Singletary Macon, her devoted siblings, and her beloved daughters, Alisa “LeeLee” Watkins and Delanna “Bunny” McClain.

We ask that you continue to keep Ethel’s family in your thoughts and prayers. As we honor her memory, let us each carry forward her legacy by sharing good vibes, traveling, having generous heart, and cherishing our families and friends with the same unconditional love that Ethel gave so freely.

Very special thank you to each person in the family who with unconditional love, contributed to ensure Ethel was laid to rest with dignity and respect:

Parkview Cemetery, Bonds Funeral Home, Casket Emporium (hand delivered beautiful red casket), Aunt Wanda/Singletary Family, Shaunda Tarver, Kristen Brinsko- Schenectady County Children Services, Jeremy Lepore – Together for Youth, Uncle Craig Sharif.

Services will be announced shortly.