Sarah Annice Middleton Hilburn

Beloved wife, mother, and sister, Sarah Annice Middleton Hilburn, 97, passed away on February 24, 2026.

She was born on October 24, 1928 to Rosa Pearl and Elijah M. Middleton in Miller County, Georgia. One of seven siblings of a strong farming family, she met and married the one she adored, Percy Buford Hilburn, Jr., in 1945. Together they raised six children while Percy pursued a military career with the US Army. She spoke often of how much she enjoyed their 32 years of military life and travels. A long-time resident of Florida, she moved to Cullman, Alabama in her later years.

Mrs. Hilburn was preceded in death by her loving husband of 45 years, Colonel Percy B. Hilburn, Jr., and two sons, Mr. Charles Hilburn, San Antonio, Texas and Mr. Richard Hilburn, Tallahassee, Florida. She was also preceded in death by all of her siblings. She is survived by her sons Colonel (Retired) Ron (Pam) Hilburn of Helotes, Texas; Mr. Don (Susan) Hilburn of Byron, Georgia; Mr. Larry (Peggy) Hilburn of San Marcos, Texas; and daughter Mrs. Cherie Ann (Grady) Smith of Cullman, Alabama, and daughter-in-love Mary Frederick of Tallahassee, Florida.

In one of her most favorite roles, Mrs. Hilburn was Meemaw to seven grandchildren, fourteen great-grandchildren, and two great-great-grandchildren living in Alabama, Georgia, and Texas. Aunt Sarah is also survived by a host of nieces and nephews.

A Celebration of Life will be held in her hometown of Colquitt, Georgia on Friday, March 20 at Colquitt Funeral Home. Visitation with family will be at 10:00 AM with her service following at 11:00 AM. Cullman Heritage Funeral Home and Colquitt Funeral Home are coordinating arrangements.

In lieu of flowers, the family suggests donations be made to St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital, a favorite of Mrs. Hilburn. The family also extends heartfelt thanks to the Folsom Center 2nd Floor Staff and Enhabit Hospice for providing their kind and loving care during her journey Home.