Laura Lester Middlebrooks' Obituary
Laura Lester Middlebrooks, age 92 of Atlanta, transitioned to eternal rest on April 12, 2026.
Laura was born in Warthen, Georgia, to the late Clarence "Bud" Allen and Annie Kate Allen. The youngest girl among ten children raised by hard-working sharecropping parents, Laura's life was shaped early by faith, perseverance, and strong family bonds.
She gave her life to Christ at Holly Springs Baptist Church in Warthen, Georgia, and remained a devoted Southern Baptist throughout her life. Laura later worshipped faithfully for many years at Tremont Temple Baptist Church in Atlanta and also attended Woods Memorial Baptist Church until declining health limited her attendance. During an earlier season of her life, she served as a pastor's wife at churches where Rev. David Ellis Middlebrooks preached, fulfilling that role with grace and dedication. She found great joy in worship and loved singing traditional Black church hymns, especially "Come On In My Room".
Laura raised her family in Atlanta, where her home became a beloved gathering place filled with love, laughter, and hospitality. Known for her cooking and generous spirit, her doors were always open, and her grandchildren especially cherished the time spent in her home. She dedicated many years as a housekeeper and later retired from Scottish Rite Children's Hospital.
Laura was the loving mother of seven children, two of whom preceded her in death: Michael "Mac" Middlebrooks and Derick Lester Middlebrooks, and a grandson, Kevin "Tang" A. Middlebrooks. She leaves behind five children - Betty Jean Lyons, Rosemary Bolton (Calvin), Phyllis Linda Giles (Michael), Rodney Middlebrooks, Eric Allen Middlebrooks (Jeannie), and a grandson whom she adopted, Nicholas Tavarie Middlebrooks - as well as her beloved older sister Lena Hall. Her legacy continues through 17 grandchildren, 30 great-grandchildren, and one great-great-granddaughter.
Though Laura has transitioned from this life, her life remains meaningful, her love enduring, and she will be deeply missed by all who knew her.
A Funeral Service will be held Saturday, April 18, 2026, 11:00 AM at Davis-Struempf Funeral Home Chapel. Interment will follow at Monte Vista Biblical Gardens.
What’s your fondest memory of Laura?
What’s a lesson you learned from Laura?
Share a story where Laura's kindness touched your heart.
Describe a day with Laura you’ll never forget.
How did Laura make you smile?
