Inez Middlebrooks Hale

Inez Middlebrooks Hale (September 20, 1934–September 16, 2025)

Inez Middlebrooks Hale, almost 91, of Gainesville, GA, died peacefully at home after a brief illness on September 16, 2025.

She was born in Farmington, GA to Percy Barton and Ora Lee Middlebrooks. Inez attended Watkinsville High School before studying Education at The University of Georgia. She went on to successfully collaborate with her husband, Victor, to manage a household of five children. In doing so, she imparted a legacy of love to them all, along with her grandchildren and great grandchildren. Affectionately known as Mama and Grandmama, she was devoted to her family. It all began with her courtship with Victor C. Hale of Watkinsville, GA. He would ride his horse to visit her and tie the horse to a Chinaberry tree in her yard. They were married on August 5, 1954, weathered the ups and downs of marriage and child rearing, and became inseparable for over 71 years.

In raising her children, Inez imparted love, respect, faithfulness, and hard work. She also allowed plenty of time for fun-riding bikes, riding down hills in the wagon, games, and camping- but only after the garden was weeded and the peas were shelled. She enjoyed cooking for her extended family, especially for birthdays and monthly gatherings. Inez continued her legacy by positively influencing her grandchildren with numerous hours of babysitting, summer camping weekends, and in her later years-annual Christmas decorating. Inez also made time for weekly meals with friends as well as camping trips with friends and family for at least forty years.

Inez was an active member of Trinity UMC for 60 years. She was one of the original members of the UMC Women's group at the church and faithfully served in many capacities, such as children's Sunday School teacher, choir member, choir librarian, and multiple committees over the years. She spent numerous hours through the year sewing items for Trinity's famous annual Christmas bazaar. She went on UMC mission trips, volunteered for Contact Hall County, and supported multiple local charities.

Inez had a quiet, steady faith in God. She made sure her children attended church. Once her children moved out of the house, she heard a preacher encouraging everyone to choose five people and pray for them daily. She chose her five children and over time, saw answers to those prayers. During her decline, she voiced that she believed God is in control and that she knew Jesus had her. She is now healed, whole, and in His presence.

Everyone who knew Inez knew how much she enjoyed sewing and what a talented seamstress she was. She made countless clothing items for community members, her children, and grandchildren, including three prom dresses, four wedding dresses, 11 bridesmaid dresses, and one wedding veil (worn by all three of her daughters).

Inez was preceded in death by her parents, Percy and Ora Lee Middlebrooks, sister Gwen Jackson, brother-in-law Roy Jackson, sister Ann Kilpatrick, and brother-in-law Mack Kilpatrick. Also, brothers-in-law Lloyd (Elleanor ) Hale, Roy (Lucille) Hale, and John Hale. She is survived by her beloved family:

Husband, Victor C. Hale

Children and their families:

Davy (Dawn) Hale; Zina, Isaiah, Noah, Isaac, Malachi, and Terrell

Tim (Leslie) Hale

Jan (Rick) Gailey; Megan (Joe) Thomas, and Cate, Jake (Lydiann) Gailey, Wesley, Anna Brooks, and Emory.

Kathy (Bret) Swanson; Chris (Diana) Swanson, Anders and Gracie, Scott (Kaitlyn) Swanson, Belle, Eloise, and Adaline.

Jenny Belle Isle, Caroline (Nic) Bowman, Lydia and Ellie, Josh (Kristina) Belle Isle.

Brother Percy (Freddie) Middlebrooks, Sister-in-law Mary Hale, and multiple nieces and nephews.

There will be a viewing/receiving of friends on Sunday, September 21, 2025, from 1pm to 4pm at Strickland Funeral Home in Clermont, GA. The funeral will be the same day at 4:30pm at Trinity United Methodist church in Clermont, followed by internment in the church cemetery. Donations to Trinity UMC, Eagle Ranch, or Family Promise are preferred in lieu of flowers. W. R. Strickland & Sons, Clermont, Ga.