Shirley Ann Tidwell

Shirley Ann Phillips Tidwell, “Grandmaw”, age 79, resident of Columbus, passed away on Friday, May 29, 2015 at Midtown Medical Center. Funeral services are scheduled on Wednesday, June 3, 2015 in Edgewood Hall of Striffler-Hamby, 4071 Macon Rd. Columbus, at 2:00pm, with Reverend Hank Reeves officiating. The family will receive friends on Tuesday, June 2, 2015 in the Mill Room of Striffler-Hamby, Columbus from 5:00-7:00pm.

Mrs. Tidwell, daughter of the late Leslie Phillips and Catherine Gordon Phillips, was born February 22, 1936 in Colquitt, Georgia. Shirley spent many years working in the local Columbus mills, bakeries, deli's and Ann Elizabeth Sheppard Home for Girls. She most loved her may years at Winn Dixie. Through the years “Sweet Miss Shirley” mothered many of the customers as well as her co-workers and loved them as if they were her own. Her children always knew they had to share her with the neighborhood kids, the many cousins and extended families. Shirley spent many years sitting the bleachers cheering for her children, grandchildren, and everyone else's children. She opened her home to any and all, fed many, and made folks feel like her doors were always open. The term “Braves fan” even in the rotten years fit her to a tee, never failing to catch the games. Harold “Honey” would record them and wait until she could watch them with him.

Harold met Shirley at Baker High School and as she would put it “he had to grow on her”. Although she stood him up on the first date, he won her heart and kept it for sixty years. Together they raised their six children, and numerous others.

Despite the many challenges she faced in the last four months from her fall in January, two brain surgeries, chemo and radiation she had a positive attitude and a smile on her face. Until the last minute she never complained. She had Incredible strength for her family and friends.

Mrs. Tidwell was preceded in death by her parents; siblings, Leslie (Bud) Phillips, Linnie (Cissy) Fowler, Waymon Phillips, and granddaughter, Brandy Tidd. She is survived by her husband of 60 years, Harold Dean (Honey) Tidwell; daughters, Donna Head, Janet Jamieson (Eddy), Denise Foster; sons, Gary Tidwell, Jeff Tidwell, and Denny Tidwell; grandchildren, Bryan Brown, Shay Rodriguez (Edward), Robbie Foster, Candace Barefoot, Logan Robinson, Brennan Brown; great granddaughter, Karsyn Rodriguez; and many loving nieces, nephews, and other relatives.

Condolences may be offered at www.shcolumbus.com.