OBITUARY
Laura Jackson Tidwell
December 9, 1945 – February 19, 2021
Laura Jackson Tidwell, a devoted wife of 56 years, loving mother, grandmother, and great grandmother, passed away unexpectedly in her home on February 19th, 2021. She was a life-long resident of Montgomery, Alabama.
Laura is survived by her husband, Neil Tidwell Jr.; her five children, Neil “Jay” Tidwell III (Michele), Stephen Tidwell (Robyn), Todd Tidwell (Emily), John David Tidwell (Stacey), and Laura Beth Green (Michael); her sixteen grandchildren, Jessica Smith (Cole), Joshua Tidwell, Jacob Tidwell (Rita), Rosemary Lewis (Will), Ruby Tidwell, Charlie Tidwell, Alex Tidwell, Adam Tidwell, Sam Tidwell, Will Tidwell, Victoria Tidwell, Roman Tidwell, Madison Green, John Green, Ansley Green, and Elijah Corbin; four great grandchildren, Oscar Smith, Ivory Smith, Henry Smith, and Scarlett Tidwell; two sisters, Linda Coleman (Jim) and Kim Hungate (James); mother-in-law, Nita Tidwell; and many nieces, nephews and cousins. She was predeceased by her parents, Bernard Jackson and Georgia Gandy Jackson; and her sister, Cindy Davies.
Laura was born on December 9th, 1945 in Montgomery, Alabama where she attended Goodwyn Jr. High and Robert E. Lee High School. She married Neil Tidwell Jr. on September 1st, 1964, to whom she remained married to until her death.
Laura, or “Mawmaw” as her grandchildren called her, always had an open door and an open ear for her family and was an excellent listener. She spent most of her life as a homemaker to her family, though from 1994-2019 she worked part-time as a sales rep for fragrance lines such as Calvin Klein and others in various department stores in Eastdale Mall, Montgomery Mall, and Eastchase. She loved to fish and play games with her family, always bringing a loving, cheerful, and often funny presence to any activity she was a part of. Laura was an exceptional cook and her meals were the highlight of family events throughout her lifetime. She was extremely talented at sewing and crocheting, making clothes and afghans for her loved ones, and at times for extra income as a young wife and mother. Laura also loved gardening, as her parents before her.
Laura was also a woman of great faith, often quoting the parable of the mustard seed from the New Testament. Her favorite bible verse was John 3:16. Most notably, Laura will be remembered for the overwhelming support and encouragement she had for everyone she knew, friend and family alike. Every event, activity, or accomplishment by any of her family members was celebrated with such immense joy and cheer that is was truly inspiring and motivating.
Visitation will be held on February 24, 2021 at 1:30pm at Leak Memory Chapel, 945 Lincoln Road, Montgomery, AL 36109. Chapel Service will also be held on February 24, 2021 at 2:30pm at Leak Memory Chapel, with graveside to follow at Greenwood Cemetery. The Reverend Dr. Jay Wolf will officiate. Flowers, donations, and condolences may be offered there.
PALLBEARERS
- Joshua Tidwell
- Jacob Tidwell
- Sam Tidwell
- Will Tidwell
- Alex Tidwell
- Adam Tidwell
- John Green
- Roman Tidwell
- Charlie Tidwell
- Elijah Corbin
Services
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Visitation
Wednesday, February 24, 2021
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Chapel Service
Wednesday, February 24, 2021
Memories
Laura Jackson Tidwell
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ADD A MEMORYKim McNealy
February 27, 2021
I was so sad to hear this today - Mrs. Tidwell was such a sweet lady. Thinking of your whole family right now.
Shanna Price
February 24, 2021
We moved in next door to Laura and Niel in Feb of 2012. Little did I know her sister and I would meet during a school function and become great friends; we were both surprised to find out we had a connection with Laura! Our youngest called her Princess Aurora because he couldn't pronounce the L in Laura just yet and it fit her perfectly. The abundance of love, care and energy she exuded could only mean she had to be just as magical as a Disney princess. We were blessed to call her neighbor, friend and part of our family...she will be greatly missed.
Sheila Adams
February 24, 2021
Laura and I were at Goodwyn Jr. High together. She was so friendly, and I thought she was the most beautiful girl I had ever seen. I was thrilled when she and Neil got married! Over the years we enjoyed our time together. Since Neil is my cousin, there were many occasions to visit in their home. The door was always open and the welcome was genuine. I always loved being together. I treasure my memories of these celebrations and sharing our growing families. Since we moved away to AZ, we have not been able to be there for so many wonderful events and I have sorely missed the joy of it all. Laura was the perfect hostess, impeccably dressed, always smiling, and a very hard worker. She was amazing at anything she undertook to do. She and I loved our special time for just the two of us. My family and I are so saddened by Laura's passing. We love you, Laura. Rest in Peace, beautiful lady. Our deepest sympathy goes out to Neil and the Tidwell family. We love you all. Sheila, Hermon, Jim and Rob Adams
June Balkema
February 23, 2021
I will always remember working at the A&P grocer where I was working at about 20 years old and Laura and Neil came in to buy groceries every week...i thought she was the sweetest most kind, definitely most beautiful lady I ever met....then later on in years I ran into her at Hancock fabrics where I was working pt and was so glad to see her again....laura always had a kind word and the biggest smile...when she and Neil found out that Jim and I were dating, they were so happy as they have been his second mom and dad ...Laura will be missed, for sure
Reid / Joyce Garrett
February 22, 2021
This is such as major loss to so many people. We have been friends with Neil and Laura for many years and have shared many memories and relationships. Laura was a true lady that never met a stranger, just people that she would added to her list of friends. Very dedicated to her family, she kept them close and provided for their needs above her own. God was in her life and heart. She will be missed and remembered for the rest of our lives. We love her and Neil very much and consider them part of our extended family. God bless the Tidwell family at this time. With our love.
Cindi McLean
February 22, 2021
To Neal, the boys and Laura Beth, I am so sorry for the loss of this precious lady. I have never met a sweeter lady. Always so loving and caring about her family and grand babies. Her family was her life. Never did I ever see her that she didn’t mention her family. I am praying for comfort and peace to all of you. Rickey and Cindi McLean.
Linda Bone
February 22, 2021
I am so heartbroken over the passing of Laura she was such a beautiful, loving ,talented person who loved her family. Neil is my cousin and I have so many wonderful memories of all of us together. I loved her and I am going to miss her. My love and Prayers go out to all the family.
Billy Taylor
February 22, 2021
I have know the Tidwell’s close to 30yrs
I was fortunate to work for Neil at Parks & Rec. Also had the pleasure alongside my dear friend Steven to coach our boys in Dixie Youth baseball
Our thoughts and prayers 🙏🏼
go out to the Tidwell family
Toni Celka
February 22, 2021
Stephen~ I am so very sorry for the loss of your mother. I know how much you loved her. I am praying for you and your precious family.
Carol Kennedy
February 22, 2021
Neil I am so sorry to hear about Laura. She is such a sweet and beautiful person. I know you and all of the family will miss her so much. Love to the family, Carol
Betty and Don Hutchinson
February 22, 2021
Neil such a shock to read Debbie's message about Laura.. She was such a pretty, sweet , loving friend, mother, daughter, sister, grandmother and wonderful wife to you and your family. We know you are just absolutely lost without her. We love you and have enjoyed your and Laura's friendship over the years, especially when our grandsons were playing ball with your guys. You are in our thoughts and prayers.
Don Dudley
February 22, 2021
It is with the greatest sympathy that we say HS friends are the fondest. With that in mind we want to tell you that time escaped before we could renew our old relationship. We're sorry that we never met the extended family and pray that these times pass with great memories of the 'good times'.
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Carrying John David
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Sam's graduation
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Victoria's 16th birthday
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Caught February 1974
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Riding with Charlie and Ruby
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Laura with her 9lb 8oz bass
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At Sunnyside Beach
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Laura as a flower girl for Aunt Sissy
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Laura, Cindy, Linda, Kim, Patti, Ginger, Buddy, & Julie with their great grandmother Kennedy
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Laura was carrying Jay
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Kim, Linda, Cindy, and Laura with Paw and Gawgi.
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Jacob at Rita's wedding
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Christmas shopping 2020
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Mawmaw the stuffed animal doctor
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Henry’s baby Dedication
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Great Grans
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All 4 great grand babies
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Mawmaw the stuffed animal doctor
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Henry’s baby dedication
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Jessica and Cole’s Wedding 2013
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Carrying John David
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Sam's graduation
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Victoria's 16th birthday
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Caught February 1974
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Riding with Charlie and Ruby
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Laura with her 9lb 8oz bass
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At Sunnyside Beach
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Laura as a flower girl for Aunt Sissy
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Laura, Cindy, Linda, Kim, Patti, Ginger, Buddy, & Julie with their great grandmother Kennedy
FROM THE FAMILY
Laura was carrying Jay
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Kim, Linda, Cindy, and Laura with Paw and Gawgi.
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Jacob at Rita's wedding
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Christmas shopping 2020
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Mawmaw the stuffed animal doctor
FROM THE FAMILY
Henry’s baby Dedication
FROM THE FAMILY
Great Grans
FROM THE FAMILY
Great grans
FROM THE FAMILY
All 4 great grand babies
FROM THE FAMILY
Mawmaw the stuffed animal doctor
FROM THE FAMILY
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Henry’s baby dedication
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Jessica and Cole’s Wedding 2013