Pastor Victoria Garnetta Singletary

Pastor Victoria Garnetta Singletary departed this life on Friday, July 26, at 7:00 a.m., after four years of illnesses. She was born in Portsmouth, VA, at the Naval Hospital on May 5, 1967, to the late Deacon Robert E. Matthews and Deaconess Ella J. Matthews.

Pastor Singletary graduated from Norview High School and attended Tidewater Community College, where she studied Child Care Development.

Victoria’s nurturing nature was evident in her five years of work in childcare in Norfolk. In 1999, she moved to North Carolina and became a mother to Shaquantay, Lashanda, and Davonia. She remained a devoted wife, childcare worker, and always ready to provide love and support to those in need.

She was raised in Smyrna Church of Christ Holy Disciples, where she was active in numerous auxiliaries. She always had great compassion for children.  Even as a youth in the church, you would see her holding or playing with other members’ children. She also attended a church in Hampton, VA. Upon moving to Wilmington, North Carolina, she became a Hope Baptist for All Ministries member with Pastors James Jamison and Jewanta Jamison. She served as Jewanta Jamison’s Armor Bearer. She later joined Pastor Ricky and Natalie Reid at Good News Outreach Ministries in Wilmington, North Carolina.

While serving as an Assistant Pastor, she continued to work as a childcare counselor and provider. She took in numerous kids who needed her love and support. She loved every child she met. Victoria was a wonderful person: Daughter, Sister, Wife, Aunt, Mother, and Grandmother.

Victoria’s passing has left a void in our community that can never be filled. Her departure profoundly saddens us, but we take solace in the fact that she has gained her wings to be with the Lord. She will join her father, Deacon Robert Matthews, and her husband, Jerome Singletary.

She leaves to cherish her memories her devoted Mother, Deaconess Ella Jean Matthews; three children (Lashawnda Coleman, Davonia Coleman, and Shaquantay Evans); 17 Grandchildren, one brother, Rod Matthews; two sisters, Athena Goode and Inger Downing; one Aunt, Missionary Mary Griffin; two Nieces, five Nephews, one Goddaughter, Sherry Harrison; and her Best friend-sister Velma “Plum” Harrison and a host of cousins, relatives, and friends.

Knowing Victoria was not just a privilege but an honor. Her presence in our lives was a blessing, and her memory will continue to inspire us.