Julie Singley Pinkston
82, Salisbury, N.C.
It is with great sadness that we announce the death of Julie Singley Pinkston. A celebration of her life was held at 11 a.m. on Wednesday, March 12, 2025, at St. John’s Lutheran Church in Salisbury, N.C., for Julie Singley Pinkston, 82, of Salisbury, N.C., who passed away on Thursday, March 6. There will be a private burial for the family at the U.S. National Cemetery at a later date.
Born on Aug. 22, 1942, in Columbia, she grew up on a dairy farm operated by her late parents, Vasco Monette Singley and Edna Coward Singley. A graduate of Columbia High School, she was the recipient of The Daughters of the American Revolution award for scholarship and the coveted Citizenship Award at graduation. In addition to many honors, she was the captain of the cheerleading squad, homecoming queen and a National Honor Society honoree. Additionally, she left her mark with her involvement in various other student government positions.
Following high school graduation, she graduated from Mississippi State College for Women, fondly known as “The W” in Columbus. She was inducted into the Gauntlet Social Club and The Young Republicans Club and was actively involved in the school yearbook, THE MEH LADY. Following her mother's desire, she pursued a degree in education, and after graduation, became a student teacher at Meridian Junior College.
Her interview in 1964 with the Escambia County School System in Pensacola, Fla., led to a teaching position at Pensacola High School. She and her family visited Pensacola and Santa Rosa Island for years. She was happy to have a new home in Pensacola and was quite pleased to meet Ott Pinkston, a Naval cadet going through flight training at the Pensacola Navy Station. They were married in 1965, and Ott continued service in the United States Navy as a flight radar officer and served on the USS Forrestal.
The couple welcomed the birth of their daughter, Alexandria “Alex” Leigh in 1966. After its return from Vietnam, the Forrestal was deployed on a Mediterranean Cruise. Leaving their dog, Caesar, with her parents in Mississippi, Julie and two-year old Alex lived in Europe and traveled extensively throughout the continent. When Ott was deployed, she and Alex often relied on ferries to reach distant islands to welcome Ott when he arrived in different ports. These travels were a wonderful experience that culminated in Alex being the beloved doll baby of the VF-74 Be-Devilers Squadron.
After the Navy, the Pinkstons returned to Salisbury and Ott worked for Metropolitan Life. He later began a lifetime career as a manufacturer's representative for furniture companies. She taught at North Rowan High where she always said life there was charming for her, as she endeared many students and they, in turn, endeared her. She was not only a beloved teacher but a mentor to hundreds of the students that she taught. She was named Jaycee Young Educator of the Year, Time Warner Star Teacher and Teacher of the Year at North. The 1999 "Northern Lights" yearbook was dedicated to her. Even after her retirement, she was often approached by students who thanked her for knowledge, kindness and inspiration. While teaching full-time, she commuted to UNC-Greensboro where she earned a master of science degree in business education and was named to the Delta Pi Epsilon Honorary Fraternity, Zeta Chapter.
In addition to their many friends in Salisbury, she worked hard to maintain treasured friendships from many places, including Mississippi, Garden City, South Carolina and the Navy. She was an active member of St. John's Lutheran Church where she served as a lector and teacher. She coordinated and participated in mentoring students at Knox Middle School. She was a board member for the Salisbury-Rowan Heart Ball. She was also an active participant and board member of Faithful Friends Animal Shelter (FFAS) where she was instrumental in raising significant funds for the organization. The 2021 FFAS Calendar included a tribute to her long-lasting love for animals.
She was preceded in death by her much adored younger sister, Mary Vivian “Mimi” Sandt, who was 13 months younger than she, who died much too early and is survived by her daughter and son, Julie’s niece and nephew, Portia and Chip Sandt; many beloved pets, Caesar, Plato, Sally, Rascal, Otto, Cinnamon, Romeo, Tarheel, Tiger and Princess; and several grand fur kids.
Survivors include her husband, Ott Pinkston; cat, Oscar; beloved daughter, Alex Kenny (Gary Kenny); granddaughter, Julie Savannah Kenny; grand fur kids, Lola, Lucy and Tux; and brother, Simon Jodie Singley, who lives in the family home in Mississippi.
Julie’s family would like to extend its deepest gratitude to all who provided wonderful care to her during her journey with cancer, including the Novant Cancer Institute, Novant Health Rowan Medical Center and Glenn A. Kiser Hospice House.
Even in her final days, her strength, love, humor and grace shone brightly. She did not allow her battle with cancer to stifle her humor, love, optimism and benevolence to others.
In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to St. John’s Lutheran Church, 200 West Innes St., Salisbury, N.C. 28144 or Faithful Friends Animal Sanctuary, 220 Grace Church Rd., Salisbury, N.C. 28147.
Online condolences may be made at www.summersettfuneralhome.com. Summersett Funeral Home was in charge of assisting the Pinkston family.
