Marie Middleton

Willa "Marie" Middleton, 88, of Jackson, formerly of Piedmont, Missouri, passed away Monday, Oct. 3, 2022, at Saint Francis Medical Center in Cape Girardeau.

She was born May 3, 1934, in Wayne County, Missouri, to Carl and Gladys Babb Bearden.

Marie was a loving mother, grandmother, great-grandmother, aunt and friend.

She married Jesse Middleton on March 8, 1957, and they were blessed with one daughter.

Marie was a nurturing mother and full of life. She enjoyed cooking, gardening, growing flower beds and putting puzzles together. She was very talented and crafty. She loved to sew and made all her clothes and her daughter's clothes for many years.

Marie was a Christian and a faithful servant. She loved to volunteer for anything at church, especially in the kitchen.

Marie's favorite job and the one she was best at was spoiling her grandchildren and great-grandchildren.

In addition to her parents, she was preceded in death by her loving husband of 56 years; brothers, Walter, Buford and Carl Bearden Jr.; and sister, Lois Marler.

Marie is survived by her daughter, Angela (John) Guerrero of Jackson; grandchildren, T,C. Dobbs (fiancee Natalie) and Kelsey Ewert; great-grandchildren, Porsha, Makayla, Kamdyn, Izyk, Madilynn, Loyal, Briella, Bynton and Zeth.

Marie will be greatly missed by all who knew and loved her.

First visitation was held Thursday, Oct. 6, at Ruegg Funeral Home, Piedmont Chapel. A second visitation was held Friday, Oct. 7, at Fountain of Life Tabernacle Church in Jackson, with funeral service following at noon at the church. Pastor Ron Marler ministered to the family. Sister Marie Brantley served as pianist. Songs were provided by Sister Rhonda Marler. Mike Hall, Dale Bearden, Roger Bearden, Larry Taylor, Clif Brantley and Brian Brantley served as pallbearers. Burial was in Missouri State Veterans Cemetery in Bloomfield.

Online condolences can be made at www.rueggfuneralhomes.com.