Audrey G. Kidd

AUDREY MAXINE GOSS KIDD, age 82, of North Gadsden, Alabama, passed away, January 28, 2011 survived by four daughters, Glenda Earle Kidd Knowles (John), Betty Jean Kidd Williams (Ted) of Boaz, Bobbi Jo Kidd Matthews (David) of Atlanta, Janice Carol Kidd Joy (Jack) of Vancouver, Washington and one Son, Billy Lindsey Kidd, Jr., a chosen son, Kevin Bates; seventeen grandchildren, thirty-four great grandchildren, and one great-great grandson; sisters, Betty Goss Bagley and Dianna Roberson (Bill) of Atlanta, one brother, Bud Goss (Pat), a chosen sister, Helen Perry Wilson and a host of adored nieces, nephews, relatives and friends. She was predeceased by her special friend, Lowell Edward Bates, parents, Boots and Sadie Goss, sister, Francis (Short) Goss Perry, grandson, Randall (Randy) Harwood, Jr., great-grandsons, Douglas Ralph Schmude, Jr. and Peyton Matthew Williams, great-great grandson, Brenton Alexander Miller and the children’s father, Billy Lindsey Kidd, Sr.

Born September 9, 1928 in Cherokee County, Centre, Alabama, her ancestors were some of the area’s earliest settlers, and were founders of Tate’s Chapel Community, donating the property where the church and cemetery still reside. Later, her family moved to Etowah County where she grew up in the fellowship of The James Chapel Baptist Church, becoming active in the choir, as Sunday School Teacher, WMU, as well as other areas of service. Later, moving the family, she continued church involvement as a member of South 11th Street Baptist church, where she was the Girls Auxiliary leader, Sunday School teacher, soloist, choir member, and was the originator of the church’s nursery program. Through the years, she worked in many other volunteer positions in the church, such as supporting the children’s music ministry and a weekly radio broadcast by the children in the church and attending and participating in in-home services for shut-ins. Returning to North Gadsden and to James Memorial Baptist Church when her children were older, she organized the first Girls Auxiliary Program, sang in the adult choir, taught Sunday School and continued to be a part of multiple functions and activities.

While raising her children, she attended the Gadsden Business College and used her training to handle hundreds of clients’ books, taxes and other business matters for many years to come. She was school secretary for Ann Cathy/Thompson Elementary School where, through her 25 years of service, she developed an untold number of long standing, caring relationships with children and staff alike, becoming mentor to many. Ms. Kidd held offices as PTA president, as well as other positions, such as band booster president for Disque Jr. High School and Gadsden High School while her children were attending there. She was ever present and helping in any way possible to support her children in their school and community interests, whether it was serving as chaperone for band camp or a band trip, making hot dogs for the football concession stand, sewing costumes for a musical, or traveling to cheer on an out of state game or performance.

Traveling her beloved America was one of her favorite ways to spend time off. She has visited and toured states from East to West, North to South. She thoroughly appreciated time on beaches and seeing the highest of mountains. Taking in the sights with family and friends made the travel even more a joy for her. Clapping along with shows in Gatlinburg or seeing musicals in New York were equally enjoyable and fun for her. Washington was also one of her favorite places to visit and she held much pride in the history of her United States of America. She believed in patriotism and encouraged her children, family and friends to do their part to strengthen their country, including reminding all of their responsibility to vote. She further expressed her belief by serving as a poll worker for many years and by staying involved in her local government and community, as well.

Appointed by the Gadsden City Council, Ms. Kidd worked tirelessly on projects to promote interest and benefit tourism, especially relating to The Riverboat on The Coosa.

A lover of sports, she was a huge Auburn University Football Fan and held season tickets, traveling to most all games and joining in tailgating, while building countless friendships with Auburn fans all over the country. Later in life, when she could no longer attend the games, she loyally continued to support her War Eagle Tigers in front of the TV from her lift chair, still on cue with the “War Eagle” yell!

Ms. Kidd loved nature and animals, with a special place in her heart for birds, particularly cardinals. She never met a dog that didn’t want to stay near her with her showing the same warm respect toward each of them. For years, Lucky, her toy poodle, was her ever constant companion, and her cardinal collection, mostly cherished gifts from her grandchildren, had almost outgrown their home. She left a legacy of a love for music to her children and grandchildren and encouraged them to excel in musical talents and skill.

Pallbearers will be her grandsons, Cort Harwood, Patrick Williams, Douglas Olive, Nathaniel Olive and Phillip Matthews, great grandsons, Justin Harwood, Kevin Harwood, Chase Harwood, Wesley Burns and Cody Harbin. Honorary Pall Bearers are great grandsons, Hunter Olive, William Draeger, Daniel Draeger, Jordan Veal, Hunter Armstrong, Austin Woods, Wesley Veal, Cameron Veal, Tyler Hardin, Christopher Schmude, Ross Quarles, and William Quarles.

The family would like to thank Dr. Thomas Harper, Dr. Donald Angle, the ER and 3rd floor staff of Riverview Hospital and the Lawley Premier Hospice Care for their very special attentive services.

Visitation will be Sunday, January 30 at Collier Butler Funeral Home, Gadsden, Alabama from 4:00 - 8:00PM. Celebration of Life will be Monday, January 31 at 1:00PM at James Memorial Baptist Church, with Reverends Vince Whittington and Bill Abbott presiding and words by grandsons, Cort Harwood and Patrick Williams. The body will lie in state one hour prior to the service. Burial will follow at Tate’s Chapel, Centre, Alabama.

In lieu of flowers, the family requests that memorials be made to James Memorial Baptist Church, 2125 Ewing Avenue, Gadsden, Alabama 35901.