Earnestine Lowery Singletary

Earnestine Lowery Singletary was born in Lee County, South Carolina, on June 3, 1922, to the late Viola and Eugene Lowery. She was the eldest of thirteen children. Earnestine attended public schools in Lee County and was a member of the St. Peter A.M.E. Church. She came to Washington, DC, in search of employment, in the early 1940’s, and lived with her aunt and uncle, the late Julius and Rosa (Aunt Lamb) Wilson. She attended worship services with her aunt, regularly, at 6th and H Streets, SW. She was inspired by the way the late Bishop Samuel Kelsey taught, played the guitar, and sang (especially, Little Boy and Tell Me How Long the Train’s been Gone). She decided that this was where she belonged. During the early years, Earnestine had various jobs throughout the DC area, finally working for the Nahme family. She remained with the Nahme’s for over 60 years, until she retired at the young age of 90. She fondly referred to Nahme’s as her second family, and they have remained faithful to her. Sister Earnestine Singletary has been a faithful member of Kelsey Temple Church of God in Christ for more than 70 years. She was a member of the Helping Hands Choir, and President of the Sanctuary Choir. She worked with the Pastor’s Aide, and, served with the We Twelve Committee to help the sick. She sponsored church services and bus trips for the benefit of the Church. She sang with the Senior Choir – until the Church (as with the rest of the world) resorted to Zoom services during the Covid pandemic. She continued to listen faithfully to the church’s Sunday broadcasts, after her health no longer allowed her to attend services. She is a true servant of the Lord. Earnestine was known for her beautiful outfits and fancy hats which traveled with her wherever she went. Earnestine is survived by her sister, Betty L. Wilson (Henry) of Sumter, SC, her brother, Nathaniel “Spoony” Lowery (Leola) of Lynchburg, SC, and a host of nieces, nephews, cousins, and other relatives. She was preceded in death by ten siblings: Lillian Jones, Mozell White, Edna Tutt, Herman Lowery, Dorothy Bennett, Ruby “Adell” Walters, Evelyn Toney, Mazarine Parrott, Joreatha Gadson, Jesthro “Joe” Lowery.

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Earnestine Lowery Singletary

June 3, 1922 - June 23, 2025