Lillie Barlow Middleton

It is with immense love and gratitude that we gather here today to celebrate Lillie B. Middleton, our beloved mother, grandmother, sister, aunt, and friend. Born to Mr. Robert and Rosietta Barlow on August 2, 1936, in Manor Texas, Lillie was the third of 10 children.

Lillie’s discipleship began at Fuchs Grove Baptist church where she dedicated her life to Christ under the leadership of Pastor W. T. Brown. On Sunday mornings you would find Lillie at Willie Chapel Primitive Baptist Church, where she was a pillar of the church and served diligently in many capacities for forty plus years. Whether it was serving on the mission or mother board, Lillie’s faith shined brightly in everything she did.

One of Lillie’s greatest joys was watching her family grow and she was blessed to have 10 wonderful children, 36 grandchildren, 107 great grand and 20 plus great great grandchildren. She took an active role in all their lives leaving them with a shared sense of community within the family unit. She valued family and displayed the true essence of unconditional love and support that made it possible for her to see her children truly benefiting from the investments and sacrifices she made allowing them to thrive and go on to becoming productive members of their societies. Her children continue to advance her legacy of kindness, perseverance, and humor.

Lillie had a work ethic that was unmatched as she served in the food service industry for 41 years. Her journey began at the Pig Stand restaurant and the Sheraton Crest hotel’s restaurant before finally retiring from the Austin State School in 2001 where she served some of the most vulnerable members of the Austin Community. Faithful and dedicated to her commitment to serving and providing for her family, it was said the only day anyone remembers her taking off from work was when she had that one tooth ache.

All who knew Lillie shared a collective memory of her always being ready with a helping hand, a quick joke, or a playful tease that brought laughter into any room. Her unique combination of love and sass will never be forgotten. She always told it like it was with a supernatural tenderness because she was the toughest softy you could ever meet. Her home was a gathering place where she made everyone feel welcomed and valued. Her matriarchal wisdom, generosity, and laughter will continue to resonate with her family and friends for years to come.

Lillie was a person who found joy in simple things. As a young woman she really enjoyed playing baseball and basketball and she loved music. She could put together magical meals that feed many and tasted good on a budget. Later in life she enjoyed annual birthday celebrations with her brother or casino trips with her friends and family. She took time to make telephone calls to check in on folks and spent quality time with those she loved.

She joins her parents Robert and Riosetta Barlow, her children Mary Bryant, Derrick Middleton, Kenneth Gardner (son-in-law), grandchildren Bridgett and Kendrick Colter, Shavon and Cedrick Middleton, Antonio Craig Jr, siblings Bobbie Smith (Cameron), Georgia and Henry Barlow, Willie Scott (Willie), Lennard Scott (Brother-in-law), Yvonne Barlow (sister-in-law) in eternal rest. Lillie is survived by her siblings Laura Smith, Leslie Barlow (Claudine), Bertha Scott, Katherine Barlow, Leroy Barlow, Esther Barlow (sister-in-law), her children Vivian Colter, Jo Ann ,Debra and Linda Middleton, Paula, Davis (Sam), Frank Middleton Jr (Paula), Leslie Habit (Raymond), Gale Gardner, as well as her 36 grandchildren, 91 great-grandchildren, over 20 great great grandchildren, generations of nieces and nephews and countless friends who were touched by her love.