Mary Tidwell

Mary Moneta Tidwell, aged 94 years, went to her heavenly home with the Lord on Thursday night, January 4, 2018 in Seagoville, Texas. She was born February 19, 1923 near Lufkin, Angelina County, Texas, to Sam Houston and Mollie Syble Massingill. She was the youngest of five children. She was preceded in death by her husband of 53 years, Paul Tidwell, her parents, and sister Dott Fitts, sister Norine Massingill, brother Martin Massingill, and sister Ruth Maddux. She is survived by son Robert Tidwell of Seagoville, son Gary Tidwell and wife Vickie of Seagoville, grandsons Paul and wife Beth Tidwell of Dallas, and David Tidwell of Fort Worth. Foster grandson, Daniel Bassford, lives in Maine. There are also 3 great-grandchildren, Michael Tidwell, 11, Benjamin Tidwell, 8, and Carolynn Tidwell, 5, as well as 2 step great-grandchildren, Ashlynn Massey, 13, and Joshua Massey, 11. There are also many nephews, nieces, and friends. Pallbearers will be grandsons Paul and David Tidwell, friend Frank Suniga, and great-nephews David Tidwell of Palestine, Sam Smith of Canton, and Ken Richardson of Lufkin. Honorary pallbearers will be nephews Truett Maddux of Cushing, TX, Bill Maddux of Alto, TX, Bob Mauch of Carrollton, TX, Dan Ballard of Alto, TX, Jack Richardson of Lufkin, TX, Billy Tidwell of Palestine, TX, Joe Radford of Tennessee Colony, TX, and Paul Stringer of Crockett, TX. Mary graduated from Alto High School in 1940 and worked in clerical jobs during her working days. She was church secretary for Pleasant Grove First Baptist Church in Dallas for a number of years and was retired from the City of Dallas Water Utilities Department. She was an avid and prolific producer of handmade needlework and ceramics. She was particularly into crocheting and plastic canvas needlepoint. Additionally, she was a collector of souvenir salt and pepper shaker sets. The Texas Rangers could count her as a faithful fan as well. She was for many years active as a children’s worker in Sunday School. For many years she was a member of the Order of the Eastern Star. Officiating at the services on Wednesday, January 10, 2018 at Roselawn Funeral Home chapel, will be Rev. Jason Gardner, former pastor, First Baptist Church of Seagoville and Dr. Don Cole, current pastor of First Baptist, Seagoville. Interment will be at Laurel Oaks Memorial Park in Mesquite, Texas.