Dr. Gwendolyn Harris Middlebrooks, 84, civil rights activist and beloved educator, passed away on February 7, 2024. Born on November 1, 1939, in Chattanooga, Tennessee, as the third child of the union of Mrs. Lillie Mae Hughley Harris and Mr. Edward Harris, Dr. Middlebrooks moved to Atlanta at a young age and became deeply involved in the fight for equality, participating in key actions that led to the desegregation of the city. A Spelman College alumna, she later returned there to embark on a distinguished 42-year career, shaping future leaders, and retiring as professor emerita. Dr. Middlebrooks earned her PhD in Educational Leadership from Georgia State University and received numerous accolades for her contributions to civil rights and education. She is survived by her husband of 63 years, Mr. James Thomas Middlebrooks; her children, Dr. Jayne Thenise Morgan (Joe), Dr. Valerie Leah Johnson (Michael), and Mr. Kevin James Middlebrooks (Bijou); her sister, Yvonne Harris; and her grandchildren. She is preceded in death by her 2 brothers, Mr. Alfred Harris, and Mr. Edward Harris (Peaky). The Wake will be held on Sunday, February 11, 2024, from 11:00 am-2:00 pm in our Chapel. The viewing will be held in our Chapel on Monday, February 12th from 11:00 am-7:00 pm. Services will be held at Ebenezer Baptist Church, 101 Jackson St., NE, Atlanta, Georgia 30312 on Tuesday, February 13, 2024, at 11:00 a.m.

Pollard and Moore Funeral Home, Inc., 827 Pollard Blvd., SW, Atlanta, Georgia 30315. 404-688-7073. The funeral is open to the public.