Dr. Hattie Mae (Byrd) Middleton
May 07, 2020
Dr. Hattie Mae Middleton
Of Des Moines, Iowa
Dr. Hattie Middleton, age 84, passed away on Thursday, May 7, 2020 at Prairie Hills Senior Living in Des Moines. Hattie was born the daughter of Willie and Hattie Byrd on June 26, 1935 in Tifton, Georgia.
Hattie earned her undergraduate degree at Florida A&M University, later received a Master’s degree at the University of Northern Iowa, and her Doctorate at Kansas State University. After college, Hattie was Chief Dietician at Schoitz Memorial Hospital which brought her from Florida to Iowa and led the way to meeting her husband Ernest “Jimmy” Middleton. Hattie was a Professor at the University of Northern Iowa and later taught in China as part of a Teachers Exchange through the University of Northern Iowa.
Hattie belonged to many organizations such as Zeta Phi Beta Sorority, OES, Unity Presbyterian Church in Waterloo and Bethel AME Church in Des Moines. She was a member of the Iowa Department of Public Health. Above all, she enjoyed entertaining family and friends and travelling.
She is lovingly survived by her daughter, Maggie (Sherman) Isaac; siblings, Willie (Alma) Byrd, Jr., Maggielene Bostick and Lea (Isaac) Ragsdale; numerous nieces and nephews; a host of cousins; and many special friends including, Denise Andrews, Shelby Jones, Lurline Baker-Kent and Jane Hartley.
Hattie was preceded in death by her parents; and beloved husband, Jimmy.
Visitation will be held from 11 a.m. to 12 p.m., Saturday, May 16, 2020, with a graveside service following at 12 p.m. at Elmwood Cemetery.
Memorial Contributions may be sent to 2514 Arthur Ave., Des Moines, IA, 50371. Will be directed to the Alzheimer’s Association.
Condolences may be expressed at: www.HamiltonsFuneralHome.com
Jane Hartley
05/18/2020
Know that Hattie was a Treasure to all of us. She was Blessed with a kind Heart and an Amazing Smile. She has mastered Eternal Life; GOD said Welcome Home. The times we shared will always be remembered.
Anita T. Pegram
05/17/2020
To the family, I pray for your peace and strength. Sis Middleton was a great sorority sister that I had the joy of meeting and working with when I was appointed as Zeta State Director of Iowa. She was encouraging, loving, and faithful as a chapter leader. I could always count on her support, and enjoyed talking with her at state meetings. Thank you my Zeta sister for being so loving. In Sympathy, Sister (Sorority) Anita Pegram
Santresa Bartolo
05/16/2020
You will be missed. Gone from our sight, but never from our hearts.
Jo D. Carswell
05/16/2020
We will miss you so much.She always had a Beautiful smile and Love in her heart ?? ?? Love You always Jo D.Carswell and Family
Annette Cason
05/16/2020
I pray that God will continue to strengthen you as you grieve for your precious loved one.
Deepest sympathy..
Annette, Fort Pierce, Fl
Rev. John Haugen
05/14/2020
When I was in high school I worked at Schoitz Hospital in the kitchen. Your mother was dietician and the kindest, most competent woman. I was not aware she was at UNI, because I was Campus Pastor there years later. Please accept my sincere condolences! A great great woman!
Dorothy Glascock
05/14/2020
Love and prayers for you Maggie.
Bonnye Vangenuchten
05/14/2020
Maggie please disregard the questions marks my computer froze. I love you and Im here for you if you need someone. Love you!??????
Bonnye Vangenuchten
05/14/2020
Prayers going up Maggie! ????????
Michelle Talbott
05/13/2020
Soror Middleton was one of the sweetest most genuine Zetas I have ever had the pleasure of being in the presence of. Will always remember our talks about Zora Neale Hurston and how she tended to her grave when she was wintering in Florida. She had a huge impact on me as an undergrad and my introduction to Zeta Phi Beta Sorority, Inc. Love to the family.
Shelby Jones
05/12/2020
Thank you, my extended Byrd Family, for sharing our beloved Hattie with me. Hattie was a kind, sweet, and loving soul. We shared a lot of special times, laughter, and fun together. I looked forward to her annual trips to Fort Pierce, Fl. She loved Zeta Phi Beta Sorority and participated in our Chapter's Community Service Activities, during her visits. I will miss my friend, sister and Soror. Many Prayers and much Love to the family.
Dee (Dannenberg) Nyman
05/12/2020
I worked with Hattie years ago at Schoitz for our ICU patients. She was the best!
Lurline Baker Kent
05/12/2020
My dear sister, my Soror, my friend.you have always been the kind of person who gives from the heart. You always had an unchanging love that you gave that radiated to you family and all others that came in contact with. Youve always been the kind of person who gives from the heart and you would do everything you could to make others happy. Our laughter will last for ever as you take all of our our wonderful times on to your new life. And I shall remember all of happiness and love that you brought into my life. I cant help but to carry your beauty your, kindness , your crazy fun spirit deeply in my heart and soul. You will always be near me. I thank God for you. Your Zeta sister Lurline
Janet Taylor
05/12/2020
I knew this kind lady many years ago when I worked at the old Schoitz Hospital and she was a dietician there.I havent seen her for many years but I never forgot her.She sure left a lasting impression on me , such a kind person and took her time with the patients.Sounds like she had a great life,my heart goes out to all her family.
Ethel Wahington
05/12/2020
Maggie, I am so sorry to hear of your mom's passing. She was my "walking buddy and friend." Much love to you and your family.