Patricia Francis

Born on February 14, 1932 in Bells, Tennessee, Patricia was the third child of Robert Anderson Sumler and Alice Lee Plunk. She is preceded in death by both parents, five siblings—three sisters Dolores, Teresa, and Fay and two brothers Robert and Glenn—and one son, Mike Middleton.

Patricia spent her early childhood in Tennessee before her family moved to Orlando to work on a citrus farm. As teenagers, she and her older sister moved to New York City, living and working in Manhattan before returning to Florida. 



She met and married her first husband Alfred “Sonny” Middleton, Jr. They were married for 20 years and had two daughters, Cindy and Sharon, and twin boys, Mike and Steve.

For many years, she ran Bonnie and Clyde’s, a bar and grille in Yukon, FL. Later in life, Patricia met and married Edward Francis. They moved up and down the east coast for his career and eventually retired to Live Oak, FL. After his death in 2003, Patricia continued living in their home where she enjoyed reading, crossword puzzles, and birdwatching. She dearly loved dogs, and could often be found on the back porch with her toy poodle Misty.

She was fiercely independent and relished a lively debate. She always spoke her mind, delighted in a good “dumb blonde” joke, and enjoyed southern cooking.

She is survived by two daughters, Cindy (Mike) Lawrence and Sharon Moore; one son, Steve Middleton; six grandchildren, Bret Lawrence, Emily Lawrence, Max Middleton, Chris Middleton, David Floyd, and Ashley Hamberlin; as well as several great and great-great grandchildren.

No services are scheduled at this time.

Arrangements by HARDAGE-GIDDENS RIVERMEAD FUNERAL HOME, 127 Blanding Blvd, Orange Park, FL. Please post words of comfort at www.hardage-giddensrivermead.com.