Gloria Middlebrook

In love, joy, and tears, we honor our Mother and Grandma. Our memories are many, Grandma. Your arms always open wide for a hug, despite any protests. The laughter on Mondays at family night supper as we enjoyed your homemade chicken and dumplings and cornbread in the cast iron skillet. Your voice cheering loudly above all others, reminding us that you?d always be in our corner. The sound of your sewing machine as you worked on anything from a cabbage patch kid doll to a homecoming dress to bridesmaid dresses. You, in a clown suit, teaching us how to really enjoy a birthday. Your lack of fear to speak your mind or even show a little sass, especially if someone messed with your girls You, holding your red thermos, showing us the love for a good cup of coffee and a sunrise. And, your hands raised in worship, even when life was hard.

Thank you for the life you shared with us. Thank you for showing us sacrificial love and the joy of giving to others. Thank you for your legacy of faith, family, and prayer, teaching us that our hope is indeed safe only with our Savior.

We would also like to thank the staff of Len Rose and Harbor Hospice for their love and care of our Grandma the last several years. We know the Lord will bless the work of their gentle hands.

Surviving Gloria are her daughter, Donna Tanner and her husband Kyle of Beaumont, granddaughter Kristie Goodman and her husband Billy, and their children, Anderson and Halle of DeRidder, LA, Jenny Venghaus and her husband Jeff and their children Reese, Kate, Gray and Julia of Houston, TX and three step-grandchildren Keli Caraveo, Todd Tanner and Josh Tanner.

Preceding Gloria in death are her husband, Walter, and son, Joe Anderson Middlebrook.

Funeral services will be held Thursday, August 25, 2011 at 10:00 a.m. in the chapel of Claybar Kelley-Watkins Funeral Home.

A private interment will be held at a later time.