Mother Jessie Mae (Felder) Middlebrooks, 92, longtime resident of Hastings, entered the sunset of life on Saturday, January 16, 2021 at Baptist Hospital South, Jacksonville. A native of Kathleen, Houston County, GA (Macon/Warner Robins area), she was the daughter of Bennett and Della (Berry) Middlebrooks, born on Thursday, October 11, 1928. In 1937, her family moved to Florida while she was in elementary school.  She was educated in the St. Johns County School System. In 1967, she earned LPN credentials from the Lincoln School of Practical Nursing and subsequently received mid-wife certification.  She was employed in food services within the St. Johns County School District and retired after providing over two decades of devoted service.  "Mother" was a committed servant of God at Gethsemane Missionary Baptist Church, under the guidance of Pastor Rick & Co-Pastor Karon Torrence.  Over the years, she served as a deaconess, longtime Sunday school teacher, sang in the church choir and served on the usher board.  She hosted "prayer meeting and bible study ministry" within her home on Friday evenings for years. Her loving, kindred heart was appreciated by many and she was well-loved throughout the community.

In addition to her parents, Jessie was preceded in eternal rest by her husband, Eddie Lee Felder, sons, Eddie "Lucky" Felder, Victor Felder, and Eric Felder, Sr.

To cherish her memories: daughters , Cornester Terry, Gainesville; Elder Glenda "GiGi" (Rev. Hiawathia) Porter, Hastings; Goldia Felder, Paula (Duane) Shack, both of Jacksonville; Sherry Felder, Palatka; Alfreda ("J.R.") Evans, West Palm Beach; adoptive daughter , Shelby Jack; sons , Kenneth (Annie Ruth) Felder, Hastings; Danny (Vivian) Felder, Palatka; daughter-in-law , Hildegard Felder, Hastings; sisters-in-law , Doretha Middlebrook, Palatka; Ruth Williams, Miami; special niece, Joan Dewitt, Hastings; goddaughters, Glenda Campbell, Floretta (Michael) Robinson; " like sons ," Rev. Karl (Terricena) Flagg and Tommy (Carol) Holtz, Sr.; close friends, Ruby Lee Andrews, Darletha Lewis, Anna Wright, and Emily Smith; and a host of loving relatives and friends.

In compliance with CDC COVID-19 guidelines including required masks with social distancing, a public visitation will be from 4-6 p.m., Friday, January 22, 2021, at The Lord's Temple, 140 Gilmore St., Hastings, Bishop Thomas Cave, III, host pastor.  A Celebration of Life will be held graveside at 11 a.m., Saturday, January 23, 2021 at Oak Hill West Cemetery, 712 S. Palm Ave., Palatka. Rev. Karl N. Flagg, Senior Pastor, Mt. Tabor First Baptist Church, is the eulogist.  The family is grateful for the outpouring of support from the community.  Due to the pandemic, there will be no family gatherings or repast following the service.  In lieu of florals, the family suggests memorial donations be sent to: Gethsemane Missionary Baptist Church, the American Cancer Society, St. Jude Children's Hospital, or St. Johns County COA in loving memory of Jessie Middlebrooks.