Georgia Kidwell

Georgia Brenner Tipton Kidwell passed away on November 2, 2018 at the home of her daughter in El Paso, Texas. Georgia was born on August 20, 1932 in Madison, Wisconsin to Loraine Ruth Brenner Tipton and Clarence E. "Tip" Tipton. Georgia and her family moved to Kansas City, MO where her sister, Margo, was born. Georgia attended Beloit College in Wisconsin and graduated with a B.A. in Education from the University of Kansas in 1953. She completed an M.A. in Education from Texas Woman's University in 1989.

Georgia married John Clifford Kidwell on August 10, 1954. They were married until his death in 1996. Two children were born of the marriage: Jeffrey Tipton and Susan Loraine. The family moved to Hurst, Texas in 1967 and Georgia resided there until her death. Georgia taught for more than 20 years in the Hurst Euless Bedford I.S.D. most notably at Bellaire Elementary School where she taught 2nd grade.

Georgia was a dedicated community volunteer. She served the City of Hurst in many capacities including Chairman of the Hurst Planning and Zoning Commission, Chairman of the Historical Landmark Preservation Committee, and as a member of the Traffic Safety Commission. In 2008, Georgia received the Hurst Citizen of the Year-Leadership Award. In 1969, Georgia helped found the Hurst Branch of the American Association of University Women (AAUW) now known as the Northeast Tarrant County Branch. She also served on the State Board of AAUW and remained an active member until her death. Georgia joined the Tarrant County League of Women Voters in 1969. She served as President in 1979-1980. Georgia was very active in the League and voter service and education was her focus. She moderated candidate forums for the Northeast Tarrant County area city councils and school boards up until her final illness.

Georgia chaired the JPS Northeast Advisory Board since 1996. She was passionate about providing access to healthcare for area children. She worked diligently for the establishment of school-based clinics in area schools. She was honored by the naming in 2010 of the second HEB ISD school-based clinic as the "Georgia Kidwell Child Health Care Center". Georgia was also responsible for helping to establish the St. Vincent's Vision Clinic in the JPS Northeast Health Center so children in need could have their eyes examined and receive glasses, if needed.

After her retirement, Georgia joined the Rotary Club of Hurst-Euless-Bedford. She served as Vocational Service Committee Chairperson for several years. This Committee was responsible for the selection of annual scholarship recipients and the annual Rotary 4 Way Speech Contest for local high school students. Georgia also served as an advisor for Rotary Global Scholars in Uganda, Korea and Mexico. She was also active in the HEB Retired School Employees, most recently serving as Program Chair.

Georgia joined the Kappa Alpha Theta sorority at the University of Kansas and was an active member for the rest of her life. She treasured the friendship of her "Theta sisters" in the Mid-Cities Alumni Club. She was also a member of the Mid-Cities Panhellenic Association. Georgia was a Girl Scout for most of her life and served as a Troop Leader, Leader Trainer, Day Camp Director and as a member of the Board of Directors of the Circle T Girl Scout Council. She joined St. Vincent's Church in 1967 and was a regular attendee for the rest of her life.

Georgia was preceded in death by her parents, her husband John and her son Jeff. She is survived by her daughter and son-in-law Susan and Clyde Pine and her grandchildren Savannah, Sydney, and Jackson Pine. She is also survived by her sister and brother-in law Margo and David Skaggs, her nephews Jason (Wendy) Skaggs and Philip (Elizabeth) Skaggs and her great nephews and nieces Justin, Ryan, Caroline, Elaine, and Julia Skaggs. Additionally, she is survived by dear friends Jean and Dick Dodds and Fran Fuller. The family would like to especially thank Lauren Alvarez and Hospice El Paso for the tender and compassionate care given to Georgia during her final illness.

Funeral services will be held on November 26, 2018 at 10:00 a.m. at St.Vincent's Cathedral in Bedford, Texas. In lieu of flowers, the family requests donations be made in Georgia's honor to the League of Women Voters of Tarrant County, PO Box 100175, Fort Worth, TX 76185 or the American Association of University Women of Northeast Tarrant County at AAUW.org