John Willie Middleton

In His infinite wisdom the Lord called from labor to rest His servant, John Willie Middleton. John completed his exemplary journey through life on April 6, 2018. He slept peacefully away with his family by his side. He was born to the late Louis and Geneva Murchison Middleton in Curtis, AR on July 26, 1929.

He graduated from Peake High School, Arkadelphia, AR. He received his Bachelor of Science degree from Arkansas Mechanical and Normal College (AM&N, now University of Arkansas at Pine Bluff). John further studied at Southern University, Baton Rouge, LA and he completed several correspondence courses from the University of Arkansas, Fayetteville, AR.

John was an educator and basketball coach in Monticello and Warren. He began his career as a teacher at Drew High School, Monticello, AR.   After a brief stint in the classroom John was called to serve proudly in the US Army during the Korean War. While in service he attained the rank of sergeant. Upon completion of his military duty John returned to the classroom at Drew Schools where his highly successful basketball coaching career began. He was later hired to coach and teach at Bradley County High School, Warren, AR. John won basketball championships at Drew and Bradley County. John was truly admired and respected by his peers especially in south Arkansas.

After several years in Warren John returned to teach and coach in the Monticello Public Schools where he taught thousands of students. He was described as being a concerned, dedicated, well prepared and committed teacher. He created a calm learning classroom environment which abode well with his students.   John was a very methodical and outstanding teacher. His love for students extended far beyond his classroom duties. He touched and made the difference in many other lives.

John's teaching abilities were not confined just to the classroom. He was a member of Pilgrim Rest AME church where he taught several Church school classes throughout the years. He also served on the trustee board as well as any capacity the pastor assigned him. He was a faithful worker always with a smile.

John was an avid outdoorsman. He loved to garden, fish and hunt.

John was preceded in death by his parents, his first wife, Mattie Harris Flentroy Middleton, a son, John Fredrick Middleton, three sisters, Louise Middleton Harris, Bobbie Middleton House, and Vernell Middleton Boozer.

John Middleton was a devoted husband and father and leaves a loving wife, Earlene Washington Watson Middleton, two daughters, Cynthia Middleton Lee Ashby (Steve), Shevetia Watson, a son, Donald H. Flentroy (Alberta), a grandson, Ray Charles Lee of Atlanta, GA, two grand-daughters, Tridena Feaster of Springdale, AR and Naomi Ashby of St. Louis, MO, a great grand-daughter, Kennedy Fuller of Fayetteville, AR, a sister, Leanna Willis of Little Rock, AR a host of nieces, nephews, cousins, in-laws, loved ones, and friends. 

Celebration of Life for Mr. John Willie Middleton will be Wednesday 11:00a.m. at Pilgrim Rest AME Church with Rev. Johnny Harris Officiating Interment will be in Oakland Cemetery by Paradise Funeral Home of Monticello

Family Hour /Visitation will be Tuesday from 6:00p.m.-7:00p.m. at Pilgrim Rest AME Church