Meet Frances Dubose Singleton. She is a retired educator from Sumter, SC, who taught English in South Carolina public schools for 40 years. She earned a bachelor's degree in English from Morris College in Sumter, SC, and a master's degree in English from Clark-Atlanta University in Atlanta, GA. Mrs. Singleton has written two books of poetry and plans to publish a children's book. Her work centers around the themes of Southern living, Christianity, and purpose. She has given her life to writing, teaching, and having a strong relationship with God--the blueprint for my own passion and purpose.
Therefore, imagine my surprise when I was seated next to this marvelous woman at the Excellence in Teaching Awards Banquet. She noticed on my profile in the banquet bulletin that I, too, am a teacher and a writer, and we enjoyed a wonderful conversation on writing. God has a magnificent way of bringing the perfect people into our lives with impeccable timing.
I asked Mrs. Singleton for samples of her work which I would have gladly paid for, but she gave me two signed copies of her poetry books as "a gift to you as you embark on your career as a writer," according to her. Within the cover of each book, she wrote heart-warming inscriptions. One of them ended with a quaint yet powerful message on becoming an author:
"Bon voyage, my son."
Although she is retired, Mrs. Singleton still found time to educate a young man aspiring to be anything and everything. That night she taught me that whether outside the classroom or beyond the campus walls, educating and mentoring never truly ends. I am truly grateful for the opportunity to meet this special lady and for her to enlighten me with her work and her wisdom. In my eyes, Frances Dubose Singleton is a pillar of Southern poetry and education in this country. I am blessed to know her and sincerely humbled to carry on her legacy.
For more information about Mrs. Singleton and her poetry, her contact information is below:
Frances Dubose Singleton
P.O. Box 341
Sumter, SC 29151
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