Grace Middleton Obituary

Grace Harriss Jones Middleton, age 92, passed away on July 13, 2025. She was born November 2, 1932, in Selma, Alabama, and grew up in the Pleasant Hill community. She was the daughter of the late William Bonner Jones and Nellene Maxwell Jones.

She was preceded in death by her beloved husband, Thomas Pelham Middleton; grandson, Graham Powell; sister, Nell (Ed) Vaughn; and brothers, George (Faye) Jones Sr. and William Bonner “Billy” Jones Jr.

Grace lived a long life marked by love, purpose, and unwavering faith. She earned her Bachelor’s Degree in Music Education from Alabama College (now the University of Montevallo), followed by a Master’s Degree in Sacred Music from New Orleans Baptist Theological Seminary and postgraduate studies in elementary education. Her career beautifully combined her two great passions—church music and public education—and spanned over 60 years.

She began teaching at Cedar Park Elementary in Selma and later continued at Kenwood Elementary in Fort Walton Beach, Florida. Generations of children were shaped by her wisdom and warmth. Beyond the classroom, she gave private piano lessons, guiding her students with patience and a love for music.

Grace faithfully served the Lord through music ministry as an organist, co-minister of music, and director of children's choirs in every church where she was called to serve. A dedicated member of First Baptist Church of Fort Walton Beach for over 30 years, she also taught English as a second language and coordinated Vacation Bible School in Collirene, Alabama, where her family has deep roots. Even after moving into The Brennity Assisted Living in Fairhope, Grace continued to share her faith by leading a weekly Bible study for fellow residents, using her final years to encourage and uplift others.

She also lovingly taught a special needs adult Sunday School class, where her empathy and kindness made a meaningful difference in many lives. Grace never needed recognition—her joy came from serving others, and she did so with grace, humility, and an ever-present twinkle in her eye.

Grace was a proud member of the Daughters of the American Revolution, United Daughters of the Confederacy, American Guild of Organists, Delta Kappa Gamma Fraternity, and First Baptist Church of Fort Walton Beach.

She is survived by her children, Joe (Heather) Middleton, Dorothy Powell, and Kay (Rob) Bohrod; grandchildren, Will Middleton, Grace Anne Middleton, Brad Powell, Paige (Chris) Gwin, Sean Bohrod, and Ryan Bohrod; sister-in-law, Liz Jones; and a large and loving extended family of great-grandchildren, nieces, nephews, and dear friends.

Funeral services will be held on Saturday, July 26, 2025, at 1:00 p.m. at Pleasant Hill Baptist Church, with Dr. Howard Gates officiating and Lawrence Brown-Service Funeral Home of Selma directing. A private burial will follow at the church cemetery.

In lieu of flowers, the family requests memorial donations be made to Pleasant Hill Baptist Church; 1767 County Road 12, Sardis, Alabama 36775.