Harrison and Azzie Bell began in Bladenboro, North Carolina, after matrimony in June, 1933

Initially Harrison was given one acre of land by his father that housed two small old buildings - one served as the bedroom and the other was used as kitchen.

The two buildings were connected by a walking board for easy access. Both buildings were heated by wood while kerosene lanterns provided flickering light during night.

Harrison ventured into livestock by raising hogs and cattle for financial and family subsistence. “Bell”, the name he affectionately called her, worked jointly with her husband on the farm while she maintained the home front.

Instilling the Importance of Education

As a united team, Harrison and Azzie Bell promoted and supported their children’s educational pursuits.

James Singletary

North Carolina A&T State Universityformally A&T College of NC

James, the eldest, attended A&T College of NC where he studied for 3 years prior to joining the United States Army. After serving the military he established his own trucking business, and later he was appointed Post Master for the United States Postal Service. Upon retirement, he returned to farming tending as many as 80 acres.

William Singletary

Armstrong Barber School

William worked with the United States Soldiers' Home in Washington DC before completing his studies at Armstrong Barber School in Washington DC; he entered an apprenticeship prior to establishing his own trucking business.

Carlentine Singletary

Teterboro School of Aeronautics

Carlentine joined the United States Air Force, after attending and graduating from Teterboro School of Aeronautics in Hackensack, New Jersey culminating in an assignment with the Federal Aviation Administration as a federal agent. He also had an affiliation with the the Tuskegee Airmen.

Dr. Saundra Singletary White

North Carolina A&T State Universityformally North Carolina A&T College

Saundra, the youngest of the siblings, attended and graduated from NC A&T College and continued her studies to earn the Ed.S and Ed.D from another North Carolina Institution.

Because of her success as a Bladen county Principal in moving one of the lowest 25 performing schools in the state to one of the top 25 highest performing in the state within one academic year, she was chosen to serve as a North Carolina Curriculum and Instruction Assistance state team leader. After completing this assignment, she retired but continues to encourage others to pursue higher education.

The legacy of pursuing higher education and securing successful careers did not end with the children of Harrison and Azzie Bell

...it continues to proliferate throughout the generations of grandchildren. There are graduates of North Carolina A&T State University while others have graduated from or are currently attending other prestigious universities.

The union of Harrison and Azzie Bell Singletary has produced educators, engineers, successful entrepreneurs, a medical doctor, an optometrist and cooperate leaders.The present and future continues to be written.