Mathew J. Middleton

Obituary Mathew J. Middleton July 22, 1944 – May 26, 2025

Mathew Julius Middleton, affectionately known as “Gene,” entered into eternal rest on Monday, May 26, 2025, at peace with both God and man. He was born on July 22, 1944, in Ravenel, South Carolina, the tenth of thirteen children born to the late Melvin and Janie J. Middleton.

Mathew was raised in a home full of love, faith, and strong family values. He began his education at Canaan Elementary School in Givhans, SC, and later graduated from Alston High School, Class of 1962. As a young teenager he was raised with a strong work ethic while he worked on his father’s farm. Following high school, he briefly worked at Thunderbird and Nelson Barber Shops in Charleston, SC. He then moved to New York, living in Manhattan where he began a long and successful career with American Express. His role with the company allowed him to travel across the United States, including to Utah, Delaware, Florida, and Arizona. He retired from American Express in 2003 after decades of dedicated service.

Even after retirement, Mathew remained active in the workforce. In 2004, he began working as a mail carrier with the United States Postal Service. In 2008, he became a city bus driver for First Transit, faithfully serving the public until his retirement in May 2024. Mathew was also a man of continued growth and purpose—in 1999, he became a licensed life and investment broker with Primerica Financial Services, helping families plan for their financial futures.

Mathew accepted Jesus Christ as his Lord and Savior at an early age and joined Saint Paul United Methodist Church in Ravenel, SC. He remained committed to his faith throughout his life. After marrying Kaylavon Webb-Walker on April 4, 2001, the couple joined Pilgrim Baptist Church in Phoenix, Arizona, where they worshiped and served together faithfully.

Mathew was first united in holy matrimony to the former Dianna Lewis on October 31, 1970, and from that union came one beloved son, Mark Tanna Middleton. After transferring with American Express to Phoenix in 1996, he met and later married Kaylavon Webb-Walker. Through their union, Mathew embraced her two children, Latisha Walker and Maurice Walker, as his own. He was a devoted husband, and spiritual covering for his family, always praying over his wife before she traveled and leading his home with grace and love.

Mathew was a gentle and soft-spoken man, known for his humility. However, those who knew him well knew there was a line not to be crossed—he carried himself with quiet authority and a deep sense of integrity. His wife’s family and friends affectionately called him “Matty Mat,” “Popa Bear,” and “Bobby Crocker,” a nod to his love for cooking and his joy in preparing meals for loved ones.

He was preceded in death by his parents, Melvin and Janie Middleton; five brothers: Nicodemus, Frank, Melvin, and Christopher Middleton; and five sisters: Sally Simmon, Evelina Capers, Julia Gordon, Dorothy Middleton, and Gloria Middleton.

He leaves to cherish his memory: his devoted wife, Kaylavon Middleton; his son, Mark Middleton; bonus daughter, Latisha Walker of San Diego, CA; bonus son, Maurice Walker of Phoenix, AZ; two brothers: Freddie (Mary) Middleton of Charleston, SC, and James Earl (Shirley) Middleton of Clinton, MD; one sister: Vernell C. Middleton of Ravenel, SC; parents-in-law; Arnold (Anita) Webb of San Mateo, CA and host of grandchildren; nieces, nephews, cousins, friends, and his beloved church family.

Mathew's life was a testament to hard work, humility, quiet strength, and unwavering faith. His impact will be felt for generations, and his memory will forever live in the hearts of those who knew and loved him.

“Well done, good and faithful servant. Enter into the joy of your Lord.” – Matthew 25:23