Mrs. Catherine Hasben Middleton was born to the late Mr. Arthur Fred Hasben and Mrs. Jettie Dinkins Hasben-Felder on December 12, 1922 in the Four Holes Community in Orangeburg County, South Carolina.

Her early educational and spiritual training began in the Andrew Chapel Baptist Church  School located on the Hasben estate in the Four Holes Community. The church and  school were established by her great grand uncle, Andrew Hasben. The church is still in  existence. After leaving Andrew Chapel School, she transferred to Dunton Memorial  School. She graduated from Wilkinson High School; then she continued her education at  her mother’s alma mater, Benedict College in Columbia, S.C. She graduated from  Benedict College with a Bachelor of Science degree in secondary and middle school  education and a minor in health education and English. She has done further study at Claflin University and South Carolina State University.

Her work experience included teaching at Lakeview High School in Lakeview, SC,  Richard Carroll Elementary School in Bamberg, SC, Center Junior High School,  Norwalk, Connecticut and Elloree Elementary/High School in Elloree, SC. While she  was at Elloree, she served as chairman of the science Department (29 years), senior class  advisor (11 years), and advisor to the yearbook staff, “The Elloree Eagle”. While at  Elloree Elementary/High School, she sponsored three educational tours for seniors to  Washington, DC; they visited the White House, Arlington Cemetery and many other  placed of interest. Seventh and eighth graders took trips with her to Edisto Gardens,  Charleston, SC, Charlotte, NC and Atlanta, GA. She designed a vocabulary game called  “Lingo” that was used in teaching students (Summer Institute in 1974). Her philosophy  of education was to teach students to live in the world; she believed in exposing students  to as much educational sites of the world as possible.

Her professional affiliations included membership in the National Education Association,  South Carolina Education Association, and the Orangeburg-Calhoun Education  Association (served as chairperson of the hospitality committee for twelve years). After  retiring, she continued her membership in all of these associations. Catherine served as  President of the Nu Nu Zeta Chapter of Zeta Phi Beta Sorority (President for 10 years) in  Bowman, SC. As President, she initiated programs to give food to the needed, to visit the  sick and shut-ins, and to help the Bowman Community where ever needed. She was also  a member of the National Association for the Advancement of Colored People (NAACP),  and Daughters of I.B.P.O.E. of Rose Temple #1243 (served as Recording Secretary and  chairperson of several committees). She was an inactive charter member of the Les  Mesdame Social Club in Bowman, SC. Catherine named this club.

She received many honors and appreciation awards during her life. Catherine was named “Outstanding Elementary Teacher of America” by District seven in 1974. In 1984,  she was named “Teacher of the Year” at Elloree Middle School Catherine was the  recipient of a certificate for assistance in promoting the study of energy in South Carolina  Schools by former Governor Richard Riley in 1982-83. In 1970, “The Elloree Eagle”  honored her by dedicating the yearbook to her in 1970. Her principal named her to participate in the Curriculum Development Program for South Carolina schools  sponsored by the University of South Carolina. She was recognized as an “Outstanding  African-American Woman” by the Bowman High School in Bowman, SC in 1993. In 2019, she was awarded the “Mamie Duckett Award” for her lifelong support and loyalty to her beloved Benedict College.

She was an active member of Andrew Chapel Baptist Church. Catherine served in many  capacities at “Her” church. She served as Co-Chairperson of the Beautification  Committee, Member of the scholarship committee, Coordinator of the Church’s tutorial  program and a member of the Adult Sunday School Class. She was predeceased by her siblings and her daughter-in-law Verna.

Left to celebrate her life and legacy are her son, Mr. Arnold Middleton of  the Home; two granddaughters, Sonya Regina Middleton and Jasmine Renee  Middleton of Atlanya, Georgia; one niece, Dr. Saundra Hasben (Reverend Samuel) Glover of Orangeburg;  one nephew, Mr. Frederick A. (Kim) Hasben of Cope, SC; many great-nieces and  nephews, cousins and a host of friends.

The service will proceed as follows:

The viewing will be held on Wednesday, January 26,2022 at Glover's Funeral Home from 12:00pm until 7:00pm.

A graveside service will be held on Thursday, January 27,2022 at Belleville Memorial Gardens beginning at 11:00am. All those attending service must wear a mask and adhere to all COVID-19 rules and regulations.