Mattie Crenshaw Tiddy

Mattie Crenshaw “Bitsy” Tiddy, age 88, passed away peacefully surrounded by her loving family on September 3, 2023 in Vero Beach, Florida. She was born on September 2, 1935 in Coleman, Florida, daughter of the late Herbert J. Crenshaw and Nellie Wicker Crenshaw Cox. She was preceded in death by her husband, George Richard “Dick” Tiddy, five sisters and one brother.

Bitsy proved to be an outstanding student and while attending Wildwood High School was selected to attend Girls’ State in Tallahassee, Florida, where she was chosen to be a US Senator and began her love of politics. In addition, Bitsy was crowned the Future Farmers of America Sweetheart and was selected to be an “Orange Picking Queen” promoting the Citrus Industry in the State of Florida.

After being awarded the very first Florida Power and Light Scholarship, she continued her education at the University of Florida. While attending university she served as the Secretary of her Freshman Class and was a majorette in the University of Florida Marching Band. Bitsy met and married her first husband, Robert Emrick and was runner-up in the “Mrs. University of Florida” Beauty Pageant.

After attending university, she continued her dedication to excellence by serving her “beloved” community of Orlando. She worked tirelessly for many years as a volunteer of the Orlando Regional Medical Center Auxiliary, and also served as its President as well as being nominated to serve on the State Board of Volunteers. In addition, she spent a term as the Secretary Treasurer of the Orlando Cancer Society.

Bitsy and her family joined Arnold Palmer’s Bay Hill Club and Lodge, where she became an avid golfer and active participant in the Bay Hill Women’s Golf Association for many years. She was also on the Altar Guild of The Church of the Messiah. Latterly, she was involved in the Bay Hill Village Bridge Club and Book Club.

Survivors include her two daughters and a son, Julia Bentley Jamieson (Gregor), Catherine Ann Emrick and Edward E. Emrick III (Susan). Also surviving are her beloved grandchildren; Richard Albrecht III (Lindsay), Lesley Roy (Nick), Robert Jamieson (Alicia), Edward Emrick IV (Lauren) and Clayton Emrick and eight great grandchildren.

Funeral Services are Private for the family only.

In lieu of Flowers donations can be made to VNA Hospice of Indian River County, 1110 35th Lane Vero Beach, Florida 32960

Fond memories and expressions of sympathy may be shared at www.woodlawnfuneralhomegotha.com for the Tiddy family.