Margaret E. Middleton

Margaret Elizabeth (Craig) Middleton born November 17, 1930 to Mattie Ella and Alfred E. Craig passed away peacefully in her home November 2, 2024 surrounded by her children. Margaret was married to Elmer Middleton, who preceded her in death in 1996, and together they had six children Mike, Max, Tony, Timmy, Ricky, and Sherri Middleton. 

A natural redhead in her younger years, she had a love of shopping and an eye for fashion that she kept her entire life. She had a keen wit with unrivaled timing and loved a good story or joke. She held a deep conviction for learning, beauty, nature, and finding the good in all things. Every day was an opportunity that should not be wasted. She knew how to make people feel important and always chose to do so. Likewise, she forgave quickly and looked forward, not back. She had a fierce love for her family and the family business. She spoke with sincerity and precision, but also with wisdom and encouragement. She held herself to a higher standard and wanted others to give their best and be better than they were the day before in every endeavor. Then she gave them the support and advice needed to help carry that out. About work and much of life she would often say, “there’s a right way and a wrong way to do everything, do it right.” Honesty and integrity were the bare minimum, and excellence was the expectation in the way she wanted her family to treat others and conduct their daily lives. 

Margaret and Elmer traveled and camped extensively throughout the United States, but she insisted after every trip, “the best view was of the driveway!” Her home was a haven of fun. food, and laughter for her family and friends. She loved taking care of people and appreciated good conversation. She dedicated her life to organization, attention to detail, and creating a vibrant and loving home. She knew what was valuable and important in life. She upheld family traditions and made them important for all. A meal never started until everyone was at the table. She did not allow a TV or distraction anywhere near the kitchen or dining room. Talk, laughter, and a little chaos from her kids and grandkids were her favorite sounds. 

Most decidedly, she dedicated her life to taking care of her fourth child, Timmy, who was born deaf with cerebral palsy. In step with her can-do nature, she sent the remaining five children and adjacent family to formally learn sign language so he would never feel left out or be excluded in any way. No matter the obstacles, he traveled, went, and did everything, and she made sure of it. She was an advocate for children with disabilities and never wavered in helping anyone in any way anywhere she could. Margaret was a devout Christian who trusted her faith and God’s grace. When age took her strength and mobility, she kept her will and the twinkle in her eye and would grasp your hand as tight as she could and whisper to you, she “loved you, LOVED YOU,” and beamed with pride. We, her family, are fortunate beyond measure to have had this incredible woman in our lives and on our side. She was loved back, and she will live on in every good thing we attempt and every sunrise and sunset we appreciate. 

She is survived by her children, Mike Middleton (Vicky), Max Middleton (Karen), Tony Middleton, Timmy Middleton, Ricky Middleton (Teresa), and Sherri Middleton (Lyn). Her grandchildren, Marcia Wimberly, Traci Middleton, Nisha Kail, Morgan Middleton, and Jessie Gallimore. Her great-grandchildren, Wells and Maddie, Ellie, Kash, Kaden, Kyla, Hendrix, Evelyn, and Cruz. She was predeceased by her husband, Elmer in 1996. Also, by her siblings, Luther Craig, Geneva Hatley, Cotton Craig, Leonard Craig, and Annie L. Stone, and her parents Mattie Ella and Alfred Craig. 

Margaret kept a handwritten quote she found in her own grandmother’s belongings after she passed and made sure we all had a copy in her own handwriting in picture albums she made for each of her children. It states: “The greatest natural resource of the South has not been its cotton, its water, its timber, its wildlife, or its minerals. It has been its women.” Our sweet matriarch, Margaret Elizabeth Middleton, embodied that quote. Her resources and her strength will endure within us all. 

Arrangements are being handled by Ridgeway Funeral Home, 201 Dunlap St, Paris, TN. 

The funeral service will be held graveside for anyone wishing to attend at 11:00 am on Monday, November 4, 2024, at Oak Grove Baptist Church Cemetery, 5525 Jones Mill Crossland Rd, Puryear, TN 38251 with Chad Kennedy officiating. Following the graveside, a reception will be held at Middleton Lumber Company.

Pallbearers will be Mike Middleton, Max Middleton, Rick Middleton, Donnie Paschall, Charles Graig, and Barney Valentine. Named as honorary pallbearers are Bobby Joe Kendall, and Luis Meza.'

Memorials may be made to: Oak Grove Cemetery Fund, c/o Greg Story, 2835 Mill Creek Rd., Puryear, TN 38251.