Beryl Middleton-Walters, age 82, of Sarasota, Florida/Washington D.C. passed away after a year of a blood disorder and then Leukemia. Beryl was known for her singing and fantastic personality. You could not speak to her without falling in love with her.
Beryl was born in Huddersfield, England; joined the Royal Air Force at 17. After serving 2 years, she answered an ad from an American politician and his wife, looking for a nanny for their children. It was her chance to come to America, all expenses paid plus a small salary.
After 2 years and her “nanny” duties were up, Beryl answered an ad for a “cocktail waitress” at, soon to open, Ray Walters’ Stables, a Supper Club in downtown Washington, D.C. She convinced the owner to hire her immediately, helping to prepare for the opening. The day the restaurant opened, she was assigned tables in the lounge, where she failed miserably – she had never waited tables in her life. Ray Walters said he should have fired her but Beryl had been working for him for weeks and was a wonderful personality so he had her learn to be a waitress – which turned out to be one of the most fortunate things he had ever done.
Beryl, being a stranger in town, would stay after closing and sing along with the band as they rehearsed new songs. As fate would have it, the Club’s singer fell ill one busy night and Beryl was asked to fill in. She only knew a few songs but her personality and her repertoire with the audience turned out to be extremely successful. The singer was fired and Beryl’s career began.
Her popularity grew and Beryl Middleton became the “must see” entertainer of Washington, D.C. – attracting politicians of both ilk as well as visiting big name entertainers. Beryl’s first record, “Two Little Boys” was an instant hit, being the number one song for over a year in Washington as well as Charlotte, NC and many other cities. Being featured with the “Airmen of Note” (U.S. Air Force Band) Pn “Voice of America”, it became a hit overseas as well.
Beryl had many other hit recordings and did shows with Bob Hope, Edgar Bergen (and Charlie) and many other big name entertainers throughout the U.S. and other countries.
She married her friend/manager, Ray Walters, retired to Sarasota, FL and became a U.S. Citizen.
Beryl is survived by her husband of 51 years, Ray Walters, (adopted) daughter Dawn, stepdaughter Stephanie Smith and Bobby, stepdaughter Niki Paul and John, stepson Ratus Walters, step granddaughters Jessica and Jesse, Courtney and Michael, step great granddaughter Mia Jane and her niece Karen and Dan and niece Lynne and Chris.
Beryl’s funeral will always be remembered for the playing of the recording of, “For The Good Times”.
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