Eleanor Estelle Kidd

Eleanor Estelle Kidd passed away on September 25, 2012. She was born on January 14, 1915 to James Mallory Kidd and Maybelle Bradford Kidd, who predeceased her. She was also predeceased by her brothers James Mallory Kidd Jr. and William Bradford Kidd. She is survived by her sisters-in-law Anne Dickson Kidd and Margaret Cole Kidd, and by the children she dearly loved of her brother James, James Mallory Kidd, III (Katherine), Robert Dickson Kidd (Sharon), John William Kidd (Susan), Donald Bradford Kidd (Robin), Leila Anne Kidd Rowan (Roby), and a number of grand-nephews and grand-nieces. Her long time house manager Thomas Jones, and caregivers Catherine Merchant, Rejeana Leftridge, Martha Myles and others were dedicated to her for some years, and she to them.

She attended public schools in Birmingham, and was graduated from Phillips High School, later taking her undergraduate degree from Birmingham-Southern College and her Masters degree from Columbia University. She was a legend in her day, both in Birmingham and elsewhere in the country. She was at one time a fashion model in New York, and her image was seen internationally on advertisements of various products. She was asked by the famous jeweler Harry Winston to be the last person to wear the Hope Diamond before it was given by Mr. Winston to the Smithsonian Institute, where it is exhibited today. She returned to Birmingham to work in her family business, Sunnyland Refining Company which became one of the ten largest margarine manufactures in the nation. She served on several boards, including St. Vincent's Hospital, and was an astute investor. Miss Kidd was a generous philanthropist who was an important benefactor for St. Vincent's, the UAB Medical Center, the Birmingham Museum of Arts and other organizations. She was a long time member of the National Society, colonial Dames of America, and Old Elyton Chapter of the Daughters of the American Revolution. She was also a member of Mountain Brook Club and The Club.

She was especially fond of the color pink which she wore frequently, and even had custom-cut pink rugs made to fit rooms for special use from time to time on occasions of elegant gatherings and celebrations. She spent a good deal of time in Arizona where she once owned a residence, and she made many trips to France and places abroad, sometimes flying on the Concorde. She loved beautiful things and collected many exquisite items.

Most of all, she will be remembered for her love and generosity to family and friends, as well as to the Birmingham community, coupled with a disciplined and businesslike approach in the management of her affairs.

Following a private burial, a memorial service will be held at the Highlands United Methodist Church at 2:00 p.m. on Thursday, September 27, 2012. The family will receive friends at the Church following the service. In lieu of flowers, the family suggests memorial contributions be made in her memory to Highlands United Methodist Church, 1045 20th Street South, Birmingham, AL 35205, Birmingham Museum of Art, 2000 8th Avenue North, Birmingham, AL 35203 or the Alabama Ballet, 2726 1st Avenue South, Birmingham, AL 35233.

Services are under the direction of Ridout's Valley Chapel.