Grace Evelyn Wilson

Grace’s Story

Grace Evelyn Tidwell Wilson, 88, peacefully entered into the presence of our Lord on February 20, 2026. Born on July 14, 1937, to Fred Tidwell, Sr. and Ammie Blakey Tidwell, she grew up as the youngest of ten children. At an early age, Grace placed her faith in Jesus Christ at New Hope Baptist Church in Alto, Texas — a foundation that guided her life.

After graduating as class valedictorian of Booker T. Washington High School in Alto in 1955, Grace attended Prairie View A&M University where she earned a bachelor’s degree in business education with a minor in English in 1959. Following graduation, she began teaching in Bryan, Texas, beginning a more than 30-year career in education. In 1960, Grace returned to Alto to teach English and coach high school girls’ basketball. She married William B. Wilson of Sweet Union, Texas in 1961. To this union two daughters, Gracelyn Yvette and Dawna were born. She later moved with her young family to Lufkin, Texas, where she taught at Hackney Elementary School.

In 1968, Grace relocated to Houston, Texas and continued her career with the Houston Independent School District. She served as a classroom teacher before advancing to a Special Education administrator role. Demonstrating her lifelong commitment to learning and excellence, she returned to Prairie View A&M University and earned her master’s degree in education in 1979. Throughout her career, she earned numerous awards recognizing her leadership, professionalism and unwavering dedication to students. Even after retiring from HISD in 1993, she continued to pour into others as an educator.

Grace renewed her commitment to Christ as an adult, and in 1986 she joined Northwest Community Baptist Church led by Pastor James Dixon II. There, she taught Sunday School, led Bible study, helped establish the Visions of Excellence Academy and served as Daycare Director investing in lives with care and commitment. In 2008, she became a faithful member of The Refreshing Church under Pastor John A. Murray III. She served as an Elder and devoted prayer warrior who faithfully lifted others before the Lord. She also joyfully launched her beloved “Candy Ministry,” greeting church members with warmth, encouragement and candy as a sweet reminder of God’s love.

Grace modeled perseverance, excellence and devotion to Christ throughout her life. Her favorite scripture, Proverbs 3:5–6, guided her steps: “Trust in the Lord with all thine heart; and lean not unto thine own understanding. In all thy ways acknowledge Him, and He shall direct thy paths.”

She loved deeply, lived warmly, laughed freely and embraced each season of life with joy, gratitude and a deep devotion to family and friends. Grace leaves a legacy of faith, education, service and love. Through her students, her friends and her family, her influence will endure for generations. She showed us that a life rooted in faith and lived with purpose truly matters.

She is preceded in death by her parents, Fred and Ammie Tidwell; nine siblings, George Tidwell, Raymond Tidwell, James Tidwell, Howard Lee Tidwell, Fred Tidwell, Jr., Lucille Tidwell Bradford, Eula Mae Tidwell Thacker, Willie Ray Tidwell and T.C. Tidwell. She leaves to mourn her passing daughters, Gracelyn Yvette Wilson and Dawna Wilson Horton (Donald); and a host of loving nieces, nephews, other relatives and friends.

A visitation will be held at Paradise Funeral Home, Inc, located at 10401 West Montgomery, Houston, TX 77088, on Saturday, February 28, 2026, from 4:00 pm to 6:00 pm. A Celebration of Life service will take place at Houston First Church of God, 14400 Northwest Fwy, Houston, TX 77040, on Monday, March 2, 2026, from 12:00 pm to 1:30 pm. The committal service will be conducted at Paradise Cemetery North, 10401 West Montgomery, Houston, TX 77088, on March 2, 2026, from 2:15 pm to 2:45 pm.