Rose S. Middleton

Ms. Rose Ann Sargent Middleton, was born March 2, 1936 in Florence,

South Carolina. She left peacefully in her sleep to be with our Lord and Saviour Jesus Christ, early Thursday morning, June 1, 2023. She was the second child and first daughter born into the legacy of her parents the late Ernest and Lizzie Sargent. In addition to her parents, she was preceded in death by her husband, Rev. James Cole Middleton, her brother, Mr. George W. Sargent , her sister, Ms. Earnestine Sargent and her son-in-law, Mr. Joshua S. Matthews, Sr.

 

At a young age Rose joined Cumberland United Methodist Church. Thechurch along with her parents taught her the value of life and the importance of a Christian way

of living. The Golden Rule -” Do unto others as you would have them do unto you,” was a value instilled into her and her siblings. She completed her early years of education in the public schools of Florence, SC and on June 8,1954, became a proud graduate of Wilson High School. Her dream

was to become a beautician. However, an accident to her right hand during the summer of 1954 would put her on a different path. Realizing that she wouldn’t be able to use her hands to fulfill her first dream, she shifted her focus and decided to attend Claflin College, now Claflin University, in

Orangeburg, SC and become an educator.

 

After graduating from Claflin College in 1958, with a Bachelor of Arts degree in Elementary Education, Rose decided to accept a job teaching in Statesboro, Georgia. It was there where she would meet another educator, who eventually became the love of her life, James Cole Middleton

of Charleston, SC. The two married November 9, 1962. To this union, God blessed them with 2 beautiful daughters, Janice Annette and Andrea Cole.

 

As Rose and James went about the business of educating youth in Bulloch County and surrounding

areas and raising their girls, they also continued in their own pursuits of education and ministry.

 

Rose went on to do further studies at Atlanta University and completed her certification in Special Education. She became a beloved elementary school teacher in the Bulloch County Schools System (Statesboro, GA) . When James eventually accepted his call to ministry in the African Methodist

Episcopal Church, Rose graciously accepted her call to support the vision that GOD had given to him by becoming a loyal and dedicated pastor’s wife. Already strong in her faith, serving in this role would only increase her love for God and her commitment to doing HIS will.

February 4, 1980 would be the day that would change Rose's life. On this day her beloved James was called home to be with the Lord. Standing strong in her faith, she continued raising her girls with the same vision that she and James shared for their lives. She ensured that they reached the pinnacle in their educational pursuits and that they also would become strong in their faith in God.

She continued teaching and serving in the community of Bulloch County for 30 years.

 

Rose retired from teaching in 1991 and relocated to Florence, South Carolina where she became an

active member of Cumberland United Methodist Church. Forever the educator, she also became a substitute teacher at Lester Elementary School. Over the years, Rose became the family historian. Keeping up with everyone's birthday, documenting new family additions and collecting pictures of special occasions, became a hobby of hers and resulted in her massive collection of family pictures that she took pride in and cherished.

 

The promise of Romans 8:28 states that “All things work together for good for them that love God and are called according to his purpose.” Through the years God allowed Rose to use the same right hand that was injured early in life, to become an avid writer, creating a collection of inspirational

journal writings that she would share with her family. She was a lover of words, knowing that theybhad power and would last forever.

 

Left to cherish her memories are her Daughters: Dr. Janice (Victor) Middleton Munn (Pooler, GA),

Dr. Andrea Middleton Matthews (Bowman, SC). Four Grandchildren: Alexandra Victoria Matthews

(Greer, SC), Jocelyn Latrice Ellis (Pooler, GA), Jarvis Langston Ellis (Savannah, GA), and d Joshua

Samuel Matthews, II (Bowman, SC), and a bonus granddaughter Jolanda Nichols (Greer, SC). Four Great-grandchildren: Macayla Latrice Jones, Mariyah Dianne Jones, Michael Donte Jones and Malachi Ronnie Jones (all of Pooler, GA). Two Sisters: Ms. Mary E. Bostic (Florence, SC) and Mrs.

Evelyn S.(Dr. Joseph) Heyward (Florence, SC), Two Brother- in-laws: Mr. Earnest D.(Thelma) Middleton(James Islands, SC) and Mr. Robert T. Bostic (Florence, SC) Goddaughter: Ms. Wanda

F. White (Florence, SC) and Godson: Mr. Dwayne Sargent of (Greenwood, SC) along with a host of

loving nieces, nephews, extended family, relatives and friends