Hattie M. Garcia

Hattie M. Garcia, age 100, passed away peacefully March 22,2022, at Lakeland Regional Hospital. Hattie was born October 25, 1921, in Colquitt, Georgia, to Carrie Ethel Odom Middleton and Roland M. Middleton. She was preceded in death by her husband of 48 years, George E. Garcia. Following her high school graduation in Tallahassee, Florida, Hattie moved to Bartow and began her 35-year career with Florida National Bank, retiring as Vice President. During her many years of retirement, she enjoyed traveling, especially travel to the mountains and the beach. Hattie was an avid reader, as well as a basket weaver and artist. She drew much comfort in her long-term membership at Holy Trinity Episcopal Church. It is difficult to imagine all that Hattie experienced during her 100 years of life, i.e., the Great Depression, World War II, Elvis Presley, first man on the moon, Vietnam War, the rise of the Internet, and a pandemic to name a few. All who knew her will agree that she was full of “spunk” and exemplified resilience and perseverance throughout her life. She will be deeply missed by her immediate family Carolyn and Billy Simpson; two grandchildren Deanna S. Gibson (spouse Clyde Allen Gibson, deceased) and William Henry Simpson Jr. “Hank” (spouse Julie Etter Simpson); four great grandchildren, AnnaMae Gibson Akers, William Allen Gibson, William Alec Simpson, and Olivia Patricia Simpson; brother Charles “Charlie” Middleton; nephew Mickey Middleton; and niece Earlene Baggett; as well as many other loved ones in Georgia, Tallahassee, and Bartow. She is preceded in death by her brothers, Robert Middleton, Earl Middleton, and Alvin Middleton. Please join us celebrating her life Thursday, March 31, 2022, 11 a.m., graveside at Wildwood Cemetery, 800 S. Woodlawn Avenue, Bartow, Florida.