Katherine Middlebrook (Lansing)

Mrs. Katherine Middlebrook transitioned to her heavenly home on Saturday, May 25, 2024, at the age of 91 years young. She was born Wednesday, May 17, 1933, in Mason, Tennessee to Ernest and Elnora Lauderdale. She was lovingly raised by her aunt and uncle Mary and David Lauderdale of Covington, Tennessee; and was a graduate of Gallor High School, Tipton County Tennessee.

Katherine accepted the Lord Jesus Christ as her personal savior at an early age. She was a faithful member of Cedar Grove Baptist Church, Mason, Tennessee where she met and married the love of her life, Ocie Middlebrook on April 30, 1953. To this union 6 children were born. Desiring a more prosperous life, Katherine and Ocie moved to Lansing, Michigan. There she was employed as Executive Chef at Archie Tarpoff’s Restaurant and Catering. If you ever tasted her delicious food, you would agree that she was one of the greatest chefs of her time. She was also employed at Sparrow Hospital Pediatrics Department for many years and later employed at General Motors Corporation retiring with 23.5 years of dedicated service all while caregiving for her mother and many other members of her family.

A faithful member of Abundant Grace Faith Church under the leadership of Pastors Louis and Pamela Dixon. She loved serving in the following axillaries: Care Ministry Leader, Usher, Nursery, and Church Mother.

Katherine was known as a sharp and classy dresser with everything matching from head to toe even on her job at General Motors. She loved hanging out with her husband and children. Her hobbies were shopping, traveling, and cooking. You could count on Mom Middlebrook to prepare a royal feast on Holidays and Sunday dinners. She never missed a Family Reunion and always stressed the importance of keeping the family together.

Katherine leaves to cherish her memory, her husband of 71 years and best friend, Ocie Middlebrook; 5 children: Raheema “Kathy” Muhammad-Perkins, Rickie (Ada) Middlebrook, Zianne (Frank) Thomason, Januann Middlebrook, and Danny Middlebrook all of Lansing, Michigan; 2 stepsisters: Mable Thomas and Brenda Adams of Memphis, Tennessee; 2 stepsons: Larry Taylor of Mansfield, Ohio and Carl Middlebrook of Nashville, Tennessee; 13 grandchildren, 60 great grandchildren,12 great-great grandchildren; and a host of nieces, nephews, cousins, other relatives and friends.

Katherine was preceded in death by her daughter, Osheia Middlebrook; grandson, Jibreel Goins; parents Ernest and Elnora Lauderdale; sisters, Ernestine Walker and Esly Mae Parker; brothers, Abron Lauderdale, Joseph Lauderdale, James Lauderdale, and stepbrother, Alphonso Wright.