Obituary of Lorraine Elaine Singletary

Lorraine’s earthly journey ended on Saturday January 23, 2021 and she transitioned to eternal peace. Lorraine was born in Boston, MA on Friday March 26, 1948 to the late Jacqueline (Blanchard) Gray and William Gray Sr. She was their seventh child. Lorraine was raised in the Catholic faith; she attended St. Francis de Sales Church in Roxbury. She received her education in parochial and Boston Public Schools. In 1964, she married Clifton Singletary Sr. Lorraine was the matriarch of the Gray Family. A role that she held with grace and pride. She could always be counted on to fill in the blanks in her family’s ancestry. She was very down to earth and, “told it like it was.” Lorraine, aka “Momi”, was a born nurturer, this was always evident whenever there were children in her presence. She was not only Momi to her own children and grandchildren but too many, many others. Lorraine and her sister, Dianne, ran a home daycare for many years. Children were always drawn to her as they could sense her love, patience and understanding of them. Lorraine had a heart of gold and never turned anyone away if she thought she could help. But, she could sense a scam! Lorraine had many challenges in her life and she faced them head on with hope, optimism and prayer. Lorraine and her sister, Jackie lived together. Their home always has a warm and welcoming feeling, whether or not they are expecting company. The coffee pot is always on or if you prefer a cup of tea! Her sense of humor and wittiness will always be remembered. But, you had better watch out if she raised her eyebrow! Lorraine’s wisdom could be counted on if you needed advice on child rearing or personal problems. No family gathering was complete without her “legendary” fried chicken! Lorraine had a green thumb; she loved planting her yearly vegetable garden (and sharing it’s bounty), until her health made this too difficult. Her slight physical appearance could fool people, when in fact she was a “warrior”. During her last battle with her illness, this fighting spirit was clearly evident. Lorraine was a loving, caring and devoted mother, grandmother, sister, aunt and friend. She leaves to mourn and carry on her legacy, her 7 children: John Gray (Aliza), Clifton Singletary Jr. (Claudia), Theodore Singletary, Billie Singletary (Brigida), Roxanne Singletary, Dianne Newberry (Byron) and Arlyn Singletary, 4 grandsons that she adopted/raised: Billie Singletary Jr., John Singletary, Joseph Singletary and Jayden Singletary. Also, 27 grandchildren, 22 great grandchildren, 3 Brothers: William Gray Jr., Wayne Gray and Louis Gray; 5 Sisters: Paulette Gray, Jacqueline Gray, Darlene Allen, Dianne Goode and Gail Williams. She was predeceased by her parents: Jacqueline and William Gray Sr.; 2 Grandsons: Tyrone Hines and Andrew James Singletary, Sisters: Diane Gray, Gwyneth Ferguson, Lillian Clark and Mary Whitson; Brothers: Johnny Gray and Joseph Gray. Lorraine also leaves a host of nieces, nephews, cousins and friends. She will be dearly missed! Our Mother has not only touch the hearts of the ones that knew her but she also touch the lives of children around the world. As a mother, "Momi" knew that as a parent, everyone needs a little help in difficult times. Therefore she made it a point to donate beyond her finger tips. She believed in the mission behind St. Jude's Children's Research Hospital. St. Jude is leading the way the world understands, treats and defeats childhood cancer and other life-threatening diseases. As a family, we would like to ask you to join us as we pick up her baton and start donating to St. Jude's as well. Simply click the donations tab on the left-hand side of the obituary page to participate in our mission to uphold Our Mother's Legacy. Our Matriarch You were there for us when our lives began, to care for and love us By giving a helping hand you made your mark on our hearts, like footprints in the sand. On all momentous occasions in our lives firsthand, you were the light that guided our way, your faith unwavering. Holding our hands through life’s trials, through long and dreary nights. Our family called you Momi, you were a blessing in our lives. Patient, self-sacrificing, kind, caring and always optimistic and grateful. All these words are still not enough to describe YOU! We will not say goodbye just see you in the morning!                                                      Love, The Family