Mary Epton Middleton

Mary Epton Middleton, a beloved mother, grandmother, and friend, passed away peacefully on January 9, 2026, at the age of 89. Mary was born in Southwick, Sussex, England on New Year’s Eve 1936. Mary moved to London as a young woman, attended culinary school, and worked for the British Broadcasting Company, (BBC). In London she met and fell in love with her husband of more than 56 years, Malcolm David Middleton during his residency at Guy’s hospital. The couple married in Sussex, later settling in Johannesburg, South Africa where they welcomed five children into the world. Mary and Malcolm eventually immigrated to the United States in 1975.

Mary was an unwavering and faithful member of St. Paul’s Church, serving on St. Martha’s Guild for more than 35 years. Mary’s love of church, children and devotion to community service was clear throughout her lifetime. Her passions rooted in her post World War 2 childhood. She financially supported Wilmer Halls children’s home for many years and donated hundreds of homemade blankets, crocheted bonnets, and booties to the University hospital neonatal intensive care unit. She enjoyed volunteering at WHIL’s radio reading service for the blind and committed herself to honoring her Jewish friends by supporting local Jewish community events and the internationally recognized Fellowship of Christians and Jews.

Mary was the cherished daughter of William and Kathleen Lee, and is at last reunited with her husband, Malcolm. She is preceded in death by her brothers, Martin and David Lee and is survived by her 5 children, Charles Middleton, Zoe Middleton, (Gigi Hancock), Oliver Middleton, (Leslie Cornett), Sally Middleton Mostellar, (David Mostellar) and Guy Middleton, (Tammy Smith Middleton). Mary is most proud and grateful that she was able to love and cherish all 12 of her grandchildren.

Visitation for Mary will be held at St. Paul's Parish Hall in Mobile, Alabama on March, 6th 2026 from 9:00-10:00 AM with a service to follow in the Chapel. In lieu of flowers, the family requests that donations be made in Mary’s name to St. Paul’s Church, located at 4051 Old Shell Rd, Mobile, AL 36608 or Wilmer Hall Children's Home located at 3811 Old Shell Road, Mobile, AL 36608.