Dorothy Middleton

Dorothy Middleton, 86, of Peoria, died at 9:30am at her home in Peoria on August 15, 2016. Dorothy was born on November 21, 1929 in Rochester, NY to Evalene and Carlisle Taylor. She is survived by her husband James Middleton, one daughter Janet of Peoria, one son Donald of Westerville, OH, two grandchildren Dan Middleton of Kansas City, MO and Carrie Middleton of Ashland City, TN. Dorothy grew up in Rochester, NY. She was a graduate of Bucknell University in Lewisburg, PA earning a BA degree with a major in Mathematics. Following graduation she was employed by Eastman Kodak Company in Rochester. She married Reverend James Middleton in 1951 and they shared a marital bond together for 65 years. They ministered in Wilson, NY, Princeton, NJ, Beaver Dam, WI, Ann Arbor, MI, Glens Falls, NY and in Peoria from 1975 until her death. Dorothy has been described by many as the “perfect pastor’s wife”. In any listing of her priorities family would be first followed closely by her church. She filled many positions in the First Baptist Church of Peoria. She served on numerous boards of the church. She served as the President of American Baptist Women at the church. The simplest way to put it is to say that when her church called her, her answer was always yes. Dorothy was a very active member of Church Women United in Peoria serving as the President on several different occasions. In 2001 the national organization of Church Women United in New York City bestowed on her the designation of “Valiant Woman” which is the highest recognition Church Women United gives. Dorothy was a strong supporter of Friendship House in Peoria. She served as Manager of the Thrift Shop at Friendship House for 7 years and volunteered there in many different roles. Dorothy loved to work in the garden and she was a gifted seamstress and an avid knitter making clothes for her family through the years. She knitted hundreds of pairs of mittens to donate to Friendship House and other agencies meeting people’s needs. Dorothy learned to spin so that she could make yarn from the family’s beloved Keeshonden dogs and she knitted countless items from this special yarn. She also was an invaluable support for her daughter’s business spinning, knitting and assisting with everything related to the booth at dog shows. During their 65 years of marriage Dorothy and Jim enjoyed travelling, visiting all 50 states and 23 foreign countries. A memorial service for Dorothy will be held at First Baptist Church of Peoria 411 W. Lake Ave at 11:00 on Friday, August 19, officiated by Rev James Middleton, and a memorial luncheon to follow. Visitation will be held at the First Baptist Church from 5:00 – 8:00 PM on Thursday, August 18 and from 9:45am – 10:45am prior to the memorial service. Deiters Funeral Home & Crematory, Washington is serving the family.

Dorothy Middleton

November 21, 1929 - August 15, 2016