Tiddly Whitehead

Born November 2, 1949, in Tampa, Florida, she was the daughter of the late Elizabeth Bryan Dickens Hernandez and Lawrence Casimiro Hernandez, Jr. She was also preceded in death by her sister, Gloria Hernandez Dabolt.

Tiddly attended Academy of the Holy Names in Tampa, Florida as a child and graduated from Enfield Graded School in 1967, after moving to North Carolina at 12 years of age. She earned a Bachelor of Science degree from the dental school at The University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill where she was also a member of the Pi Beta Phi Sorority. Tiddly made her debut in 1968, at the North Carolina Terpsichorean Debutante Ball.

In 1972, Tiddly moved to Raleigh where she was employed as a dental hygienist for 12 years. She then began what would become a lifelong career in real estate; first, as an onsite agent at Bishops Park and lastly, as a broker for what was then called Simpson and Underwood and is now known as Berkshire Hathaway Home Services York Simpson Underwood. Tiddly was consistently honored as a Top Performer in the company and received the Leading Edge Award, which is given to the top 5% most productive brokers in the country. She loved her job, clients, and co-workers and was dedicated to her work for 34 years. Tiddly cherished the lasting relationships she created throughout her career. She truly had a servant’s heart and was happiest when she was helping others realize their dreams.

In 1989, Tiddly married Lawther Graham (Gra) Whitehead, Jr. of Scotland Neck and was blessed with two beloved stepchildren. She lived in Scotland Neck while continuing her real estate career in Raleigh and she embraced both communities. Tiddly found much joy in helping others and was the first volunteer for Hospice of Wake County. Other positions of service to her community were Guardian Ad Litem, Diaper Train, and she was a member of The Board of Realtors.

Tiddly’s faith and family were of upmost importance to her. She was a devoted attendee of Holy Name of Jesus Cathedral in Raleigh, and she attended weekly bible studies through Morning Glory, Lambs and Bible Study Fellowship. Tiddly loved decorating, gardening, and entertaining others at her home. She was the quintessential hostess and was always anticipating the needs of others. Tiddly will be remembered for her abundant energy, unwavering positive attitude, her infectious smile and her unconditional love.

Tiddly is survived by her two step-children, Lawther Graham Whitehead, III and Meredith of Wilmington, and Neal Whitehead Goodwin and Bill, of Raleigh; her nieces and nephews, Julie Dabolt Albritton, Christopher Bryan Dabolt, and Samuel Lawrence Dabolt; her brother-in-law, Kirk Iron Dabolt; as well as her former husband, and many cousins. Tiddly was blessed with 7 grandchildren, Graham Whitehead, Vance Whitehead, Virginia Goodwin, William Goodwin, Suiter Goodwin, Aida Jones and Carraway Bodford.

A Memorial Mass will be held at 3:00 pm, Monday, July 22nd at Holy Name of Jesus Cathedral, 715 Nazareth St, Raleigh. The family will receive friends immediately following the service at Tiddly’s home.

In lieu of flowers, please consider donating in Tiddly’s name to either Friends of Wake County Guardian ad Litem Program, www.friendsofwakegal.org or Transitions Life Care, transitionslifecare.org.

Brown-Wynne Funeral Home, 300 Saint Mary's St., in Raleigh, are handling the arrangements.