Beverly Middleton

Beverly Jean Middleton passed away peacefully on May 4, 2021 after a short, but courageous battle with cancer. She was well known for her happy disposition, positive energy and involvement in many community organizations – most notably the Monroe County Fine Arts Council , Upper Keys Irish Festival, South Florida Center For The Arts and the Garden Club of The Upper Keys.

Beverly was born September 20, 1949 in State Center, Iowa. A farmer’s daughter, she never lost her mid-western work ethic and love of gardening. She was always interested in fashion and became an accomplished seamstress in order to keep up with the latest fashions, which were not available in her small town.

As a young adult, she was drawn to the hippie movement and was called to travel and see the world. She became a transcendental meditation teacher and a devotee of the Maharishi Mahesh Yogi. Eventually her travels led her to Miami, Florida where she met Bill Plunkett, her future husband and intellectual match. The couple moved to Key Largo in the early eighties to begin a family. She was blessed with two children, Micah William in 1981 and Elizabeth Anne in 1983. She loved being a mother and part of the community in Key Largo.

Beverly became a successful realtor for the next 20 years. She was known locally for her colorful wardrobe and large collection of fashionable hats. Later she would put her love of sewing to good use with her own line of custom aprons and home wares called ‘Aprons by Beverly’. Her most recent passion was the Upper Keys Garden Club where she held the title of, Head Of Grounds & Garden. She asked that in lieu of flowers, donations be made to the Upper Keys Garden Club. Donations in Beverly’s honor will help finish her work there and keep the gardens green and growing.

Beverly was preceded in death by her beloved son, Micah, with whom she is now reunited. The legacy of Beverly’s kind spirit, love of the arts, fashion and nature will live on through her husband William Plunkett, daughter, Liz Huddleston, son-in-law Sam Huddleston, soon-to-be grandson and her brother Clifton Middleton.

A celebration of life and a display of her treasured ‘vintage and new’ apron collection will be held on Saturday June 5th, 9-11 a.m. at the Francis Tracy Garden Center. Please come dressed in something colorful to celebrate Bev and her zest for life. She thrived on the exchange of creative ideas with her friends and she would have loved to see your best hats for her celebration.

Francis Tracy Garden Center

94040 Overseas Hwy,

Tavernier, FL 33070

MM 94 Bayside

To make a donation to the Upper Keys Garden Club in her name, please visit gardenclubupperkeys and click on the donation link.