Laura Jackson Tidwell

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.