Amber Middleton

You may not have known her by name, but, oh, did you know that smile. That pristine, cheshire grin was a true reflection of her giant heart and old soul.  Perhaps you caught a glimpse at NLR’s legendary Gadwall’s Grill, where she waited and cooked and provided for the needs of hungry customers, friends and strangers alike, for fifteen years.  It could have been at Kroger while she shopped for a new recipe’s ingredients, or at her youth group at church, or while she was adopting at a local animal shelter,  or as she donated at a blood bank, or simply while pumping gas at a quick shop where you met her bright eyes and sweet smile.  She was so many good things in one tiny frame. Daughter. Sister.  Niece. Cousin. Friend. Nurturer. Reader. Thinker. Giver. Athlete. Conservationist. Biologist. Chef. Animal lover. Bible scholar. Christian. Child of God. Our Ammie. Amber Lynn Middleton.

Amber Lynn Middleton burst into this world on Friday, October 19, 1984 and made joyful parents of her ever-loving mom Sheldon Med “Shelley” Venable and proud dad Walter Wayne “Butch” Middleton. Within two years, Am’s world lit up with the addition of her baby sister Ashley Lauren, and life became crazy busy and fun. Her childhood was filled with softball tournament travels, scuba diving certification and adventures to the Bahamas and Arkansas lakes with her Aunt Shannan, school basketball, soccer, and student council leadership.  Her Honor Graduate status from CAC’s Class of 2003 earned her a full ride to David Lipscomb University.  Amber seemed to know just about everyone in North Little Rock and wanted to be there to help anyone in need.  Her years at Gadwall’s helped her in her life goal of helping and serving others in innumerable ways. In her seasons with us, she made a difference by recognizing and acting upon the needs of those around her.

Last Tuesday, May 14th, Amber suddenly and quietly left us, for now. Among the many who will miss her forever and were cherished by her include her mom and dad and sister Ashley, her Aunt Shannan Venable, Uncle Charlie Bolton, and cousin Lillie Jean Bolton, her half-brother Jason Middleton, stepmom Angie, stepsisters Lindsey and Wendy, her grandmother and grandfather Kenneth and Teresa Grimmit, two aunts Nancy(Arthur) Weatherford, and Debbie (Jeff) Bentley, and other numerous aunts, uncles, cousins, and her dear Gadwall’s Grill family.

Amber’s legacy of love on Earth will endure with each memory of her and every kindness shown to creatures great and small.

You are welcome to join us at NLR First United Methodist Church this Friday, the 24th, at 11AM, as we celebrate her life.  A private graveside service will occur at a later date. Memorials may be made to NLR First United Methodist Church or Sherwood Animal Shelter.