HAPPY 100th BIRTHDAY Metlean Singleton

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Metlean Singleton

HONOREE

Residence: Youngstown

Date of birth: Aug. 15, 1915, in Clarksville, Tenn.

FAMILY

Parents: Luther Perkins and Tular Bryant Perkins

Siblings: Addie Perkins Dale, Olla Perkins Tate and Everlena Perkins Kellam. Deceased siblings are Odessa Perkins Duke, Moses Perkins, Anderson Perkins, Laquel Perkins Lewis, Bryant “Jack” Perkins, Lula Perkins Wood, Alah Perkins Prescott and Ruth May Perkins Miller.

Spouse: Jesse Carl Singleton

Date married: Aug. 30, 1933, in Midland, Pa.

Children: June Singleton Lynch of Twinsburg, Ohio, and Dr. Bruce Singleton of Scottsdale, Ariz.

Grandchildren: Four

Great-grandchildren: Five

BACKGROUND

Education: Attended Campbell Memorial High School and in the late 1930s became a licensed cosmetologist.

Employment: Retired cosmetologist, shop owner. She was the first black woman to own a business in Rochester, Pa. She retired from the Office on Aging in Riverside County, Calif., as a food prep sites inspector.

Memberships: Mount Zion Baptist Church in Youngstown

ADDITIONAL INFORMATION

Personality/lifestyle: She attributes her longevity to “right living, no running around, no smoking, drinking alcohol or doing drugs.” She also cites her religious faith as a factor. In her teenage years, she earned the nickname “Friendly” because of her large smile and generous heart. She remains amazed that she is the oldest living relative on both sides of her large family. “With all my illnesses and accidents,” she said, “I didn’t think I would live this long.”

CELEBRATIONS

Date and location: An event celebrating Metlean’s longevity and full life took place July 11 at Danridge Burgundi Manor in Youngstown with more than 60 family and friends. She received certificates of recognition from the offices of Youngstown’s mayor and council members.