Sharon Stewart Middlebrook, known affectionately as Nanny, 71, of Salem, AL passed away at her home surrounded by her family and friends after a long battle with Alzheimer’s on Tuesday, June 08, 2021. Sharon was a pillar of the family. She came from very little, yet gave everything she had to her family.
A Memorial Visitation will be held on Friday, June 11, 2021, from 6:00 to 8:00 PM at Vance Brooks Funeral Home, Phenix City, AL.
Mrs. Middlebrook was born January 17, 1950, in Valley, AL as the daughter of the late Robert Lee Stewart and Nina Belle Davis Stewart. She lived most of her early life on the family farm in the home built by her dad after he returned from WWII. She worked on and off in the textile mills until meeting a young man from Philadelphia, transplanted to the Ft. Benning area by the Army, on the dance floor in 1973. They married two years later, after he won the approval of a very Southern father.
She leaves behind her husband of 46 years, Vernon L Middlebrook, her only son Stewart James Lawson and wife Amy, her grandson, whom she was a 2nd mother to, Stewart Cole Lawson and wife Samantha, and beloved granddaughter Abbey Lawson Toland and husband John Paul.
Other survivors include her baby brother Michael Stewart and wife Carol-Ann, sisters Ann Stewart Brown, Virginia Anglin, and Sue Truitt, great grandchild John Greyson Toland, step-children Vincent LaDon Middlebrook, Sherry Lifsey, and Robbie DeFruscio, her dogs 3G and Sheeba, and many dearly loved nieces, nephews, and long-time friends.
When she wasn’t planning family get-togethers, making quilts by hand for her loved ones, or painting beautiful pictures for her own home or friends and family, she could be found out in her yard pulling weeds among her beautiful flowers that were near and dear to her. As many of her friends and family can attest, she was an accomplished baker, with her famous Caramel Cakes and Cheesecakes often asked for by name.
We will miss her more than words can express; however, she is now at home with Jesus, rejoicing with her parents, sister Jane, and many others lost too soon. She will be forever in our hearts, as a beautiful wife, the best mom, grandma, friend, and sweet Nanny we could have ever asked for.