In Loving Memory of Marie Couey Singleton

After a life well-lived, filled with laughter, generosity, and an unwavering loyalty and love for family and friends all over the world, it is with heavy hearts that we say our goodbyes to everyone's favorite Aunt Rea, Maw Maw, Gran Gran, Miss Marie…Marie Couey Singleton, who passed peacefully in her sleep, at the age of 83, following a short but courageous battle with cancer. Marie may have departed this life, but she is leaving behind a legacy that will forever be etched in our hearts.

Born in 1940 to John William Couey and Maxine Gipson Couey in Chapman, Alabama, Marie spent the majority of her life in Pascagoula, Mississippi where she was a proud Pascagoula Panther. Her adult life was spent in service to her chosen hometown, where she was known as a pillar of the community and a friendly face as she worked in banking, as a court deputy clerk, as a process server for various law firms in the area, and in the office of her high school classmate and friend, Trent Lott. She was a former member of the Lady Elks Auxiliary, Ladies VFW Auxiliary, and Tri-City Carnival Club. She was recognized as the Tri-City Queen of the Carnival Ball, and a recipient of the Outstanding Jackson County Citizen Award. Through these many connections, Marie knew nearly everyone in Jackson County and surrounding areas, and it was often remarked that she "never knew a stranger.". As a woman of deep faith, she was a devoted member of Eastlawn United Methodist Church, where she found strength in the Lord and deep and abiding bonds with her fellow parishioners, many of whom she saw more as family than friends. There, she was a regular attendee of the Mamie Kimbrough Circle and the Friendship Sunday School Class. One of her proudest moments there was receiving the Eastlawn United Methodist Church Heritage Award for her devotion and service to the church. In recent months, her unwavering faith served as a guiding light as she faced the unknown and felt the love of her church family while she fought her illness, inspiring those around her.

With a heart full of generosity, Marie loved to show her affection, not only to the ones closest to her but to really anyone who crossed her path. She never missed a special day in the lives of those she cared for, and must have kept Hallmark in business for all the cards she sent. One thing people always mention about her is how she never showed up to see you without a "little happy", just like her mother. She always knew how to make you feel special, remembered, and loved.

Her civic-mindedness was a source of pride for her as she selflessly volunteered her time and resources to numerous charitable causes through church and the community for her whole adult life. One such charity close to her heart was helping to raise money for a Haitian orphanage supported locally. She was truly blessed to be able to visit her children there twice. Marie's commitment to making the world a better place shown through in big ways and small.

One of Marie's greatest passions was traveling, and she saw the world through curious and adventurous eyes. From local and not-so-local trips with her beloved Senior Center, to family vacations around the country, to bucket list locations such as Hawaii and the Holy Land, she cherished every experience, every memory, and every person she encountered along the way.

Marie's incredible sense of humor was a constant source of joy for all who knew her. With a sharp wit, being voted "Wittiest" her senior year in high school, and a mischievous twinkle in her eye, she had an uncanny ability to bring laughter to even the dullest of moments. Her infectious smile and laughter lifted spirits and reminded us all not to take life too seriously.

Marie was preceded in death by her parents, and older brother, John William Couey, Jr., a baby brother, Joseph Ryal Couey, and her younger sister, Carol Couey Koffel. Left to remember her and carry on her spirit are the many special friends who were truly like family to her and her actual family members: her brother Charles Couey and his wife Harty, brother-in-law Ken Koffel, daughter Laura Singleton Maples and her husband Lewis with their children, Lewis and Johnna Maples, Lindsey and Weldon Benton, and Landon Maples, son Elbert Singleton, Jr., his wife Lisa, and his son Brad Singleton, nieces Laura Couey and Amy Couey, Donna Doggett Phelps and her husband Gregg, and Theresa Koffel Copeland and her husband Chris, nephew David Singleton and his wife Theresa, beloved granddaughter Brittany McDaniel and her husband James, along with Brittany's family Tracy and Tim Galloway, Kayla Jordan, and Lawson Meyer, who were very special to her, great-grandchildren Noah, Jaxon, Kynnedi, and Mattie Jo Maples, Mason, Wrenley, Isaac, and Asher Benton, Ellis McDaniel, and her only great-niece, who also shared her birthday, Caroline Phelps. And while all of her friends were special in varying ways and loved beyond measure, Marie would want to give a special mention to her lifelong best friend, Una Colville. Una has been the Thelma to her Louise since high school, and they were more like sisters than friends.

Though we mourn her departure, let us celebrate the beautiful life of this extraordinary woman. Let us remember her radiant smile, her warm embrace, and the unwavering love she showed to her family and friends. Marie's spirit will remain with us always, reminding us to cherish every moment, to live boldly, and to always lend a helping hand to those in need.

Rest in peace, our dear Marie. May your joy, laughter, and love continue to resonate in our hearts as we share our fond memories of you for generations to come.

Visitation will be held at Holder-Wells Funeral Home, 4007 Main Street, Moss Point on Thursday, August 31st from 10:30 -12:00, followed by a Memorial Service at noon. A graveside service will then be held immediately after at Griffin Cemetery, Moss Point.
Holder-Wells Funeral Home is honored to serve the Singleton family.