Venida B. (Barnett) Tidwell

Venida B. (Barnett) Tidwell passed away peacefully on Tuesday, January 31, 2017, at the Traditions of Dedham Assisted Living Facility after a period of failing health. She was 97 years old. Born and raised in Athens, GA she was the daughter of Odie and Hattie Barnett of Georgia and one of seven siblings. Venida was a graduate of Athens Schools including Fort Valley State and Albany College. In 1942, Venida moved to Dayton, Ohio where she met and married her beloved Walter Tidwell. Venida and Walter moved to Boston, Massachusetts in 1946. There she earned a Bachelor's Degree in Education from Boston State College in 1959 and began her teaching career that spanned 22 years. Venida and Walter shared 34 beautiful years together until his passing in 1978. She taught school for 22 years before retiring in 1982. Venida spent most of her retirement years in Onset, Massachusetts. During this time, she enjoyed traveling extensively, painting, gardening, performing volunteer work, walking and spending time with family and close friends. She was a member of the Eastern Star Lodge of Dorchester, Massachusetts. In 2001, Venida relocated to Silver Spring, MD and happily enjoyed the times she shared with family and new friends until her return to Massachusetts in 2014. Venida leaves to mourn her daughter Anita L. Crawford of Sharon and her grandchildren Renee J. Augustin and her husband Russell and Philip A. Crawford, Jr. all of Stoughton. She is survived by her sisters Virginia Tate of GA and Ernestine Lincoln of MD. Her brothers, Hampton Barnett, Luke Barnett, Lloyd Barnett and sister Lillie Mae Williams predeceased Venida. Many nieces and nephews survive her as well. Funeral will be held from the Farley Funeral Home, 358 Park St., (Rt. 27) Stoughton on Monday at 12 PM. Visitation prior from 11 AM -12 PM. Interment will take place at Blue Hill Cemetery, Braintree. Donations in Venida's memory may be made to the Alzheimer's Association, 480 Pleasant St., Watertown, MA 02472.