Aleta Antoinette Singleton

At 10:33 a.m. on December 22, 2021, Aleta Antoinette Singleton passed away peacefully at home surrounded by her family and attended to by her long-time caregiver. Aleta was 74 years old at the time of her passing.

Aleta was born September 24, 1947, in Bryn Mawr, Pennsylvania. She was the first child of Lillie and Bertram Graves. Growing up, Aleta was a tomboy and was always willing to defend her brothers and sisters. Aleta was also an avid reader and was constantly learning. She even taught her younger siblings how to read. "Knowledge is power," was her mantra.

After a year at Lock Haven State College in Pennsylvania, Aleta moved to California. Once settled in California, she would get her Bachelors in English, her teaching certification, and her Masters from California State University, Sacramento.

She began her career teaching elementary school, but it wasn't for her. She would go on to teach at Sam Brannon and eventually found her home at John F. Kennedy High School, teaching English to freshmen and juniors. She would make lifetime friends there. To some of her students, she was affectionately called "Mom." Her students would often come back and let her know that she had a major impact in their lives and she was the reason they went to college. For some, she was the reason they became educators. She truly inspired those around her.

In 1966, Aleta met John Singleton. At first, Aleta didn’t like him, but it didn’t hinder John from pursuing her. He eventually won her over. Aleta and John married on November 26, 1969. John and Aleta were soul mates. In April 1982, Aleta and John welcomed twin girls: Shelmar Alexa and Chrysta Amber. Soon after, in October of 1983, they welcomed their son: John Alexander Michael. Aleta and John were thrilled to be parents and doted on their children.

Sadly, in January of 1986, Aleta's soulmate and husband passed away, leaving her to be a single mom to three little kids. Aleta was a wonderful and attentive mom. She would instill the power of knowledge and love of learning into her three children. Aleta and family took yearly vacations to Monterey, California, her favorite vacation spot.

After retiring in 2007, Aleta would travel with friends and colleagues to Europe, South America, The United Kingdom and Australia. Her love of reading continued, finishing a book a day. Her favorite books included The Lord of the Rings Trilogy and romance novels. She also tutored adults in an adult literacy program at a local library. She enjoyed knitting, painting and walking with her beloved dog, Diego.

Aleta is preceded in death by her parents: Lillie and Bertram Graves. Her beloved husband: John Singleton. Her beloved dog: Diego.

Aleta is survived by her three children: Shelmar Singleton, Chrysta Singleton and John Singleton. Her aunt: Osie Johnson. Her sisters: Phredre Oweka and Roleda Bates. Brothers: Anthony Graves and Troy Graves. Plus a host of nieces, nephews and cousins.

Aleta will be laid to rest with her beloved husband, John, at East Lawn Cemetery located at 5757 Greenback Lane, Sacramento, Ca 95841.