Barbara Carol Sidwell

Barbara Carol Sidwell
Saturday, October 7, 1939 - Tuesday, April 22, 2025
Barbara Carol Sidwell, age 85, passed away peacefully surrounded by her loved ones on April 22, 2025, at her home in McRae, Georgia. Born on October 7, 1939, in Folkston, Georgia, Barbara's life was a true testament of her faith in Jesus Christ, her Lord and Savior.
Funeral Services will be held at the Chapel of Lowes Funeral Home on Monday, April 28 at 2:00 PM with Rev. Fred McCoy, Jr. officiating, assisted by Rev. Roswell Chapman and Rev. Alvin Lewis. Interment will take place at Evergreen Cemetery in Fitzgerald, Georgia. The family will receive friends from 1:00 PM – 2:00 PM prior to the service.
Barbara was a graduate of Ben Hill Irwin Tech where she was honored with the prestigious Gold Star Award. In her professional life, Barbara was a former bookkeeper for FRP of Helena. She was a member of Helena Baptist Church.
She was a devout Christian who loved the Lord and honored Him in her daily life. She had a servant's heart, which she joyfully employed to the betterment of His Kingdom, always ready to serve others. She was continually active in her church, where her involvement spanned from teaching Sunday School and Vacation Bible School to participating in the GA's, Acteens, and youth groups. She also served on countless committees, with one of her favorites being the funeral committee. In this role, she was able to display her exceptional culinary skills, cooking meals filled with love for those in their time of need. Her home was a place of warmth and hospitality, where anyone could find a seat at the table for great conversation, sound advice, and infectious laughter. Known for her leadership qualities, Barbara was kindhearted, generous, and always willing to lend a helping hand. She was a friend to many and relished the company of people. Her spirit and enthusiasm for life were evident to all who had the pleasure of knowing her.
Barbara was preceded in death by her husband, the greatest love of her life, Carlton Sidwell, an infant son, Kenneth Claxton Powell, her parents, Edward Clinton Arnette and Lizzie Violia Arnette, her sister, Marlene Milligan, and brother-in-law, Rufus Milligan.
She leaves behind her three daughters, Angela Powell Kinnett (James) of McRae, Julie Powell Swain (Joey) of Albany, and Cheri Powell Cooper (Jerry) of Camilla. Barbara's life was further enriched by her beloved grandchildren, Kevin Kinnett (Rosa) of McRae, Summer Holland (Shelby) of Lumber City, Lindsay Wilcox (Cole) of Lumber City, Kinsley Swain of Albany, and Hunter Cooper (Madison) of Dothan, Alabama. She is also survived by her nine precious great-grandchildren; two great-great-grandchildren; her sister, Peggy McLean (Elton) of Loganville; and several nieces, nephews, great-nieces, great-nephews, and cousins, with Randy holding a special place as her favorite.
We, as her children, celebrate our mother's life with the blessed assurance that we will see her again. Mother lived her life to the fullest, embodying joy and the essence of a true southern lady. Her dignity, grace, and the love she had for the Lord are qualities we strive to emulate. She inspired many with her kindness, and her love for the Lord. Her beautiful life and spirit will continue to grow and cultivate in all who knew and loved her.
As we bid farewell to our precious Mama, we are comforted by her favorite Bible verse, Jeremiah 29:11: "For I know the plans I have for you," declares the Lord; "plans to prosper you and not to harm you, plans to give you hope and a future." Barbara Carol Sidwell lived by these words, and her legacy will forever be a reflection of this cherished scripture.
Flowers will be accepted or donations can be made to Helena Baptist Church or Community Hospice in Vidalia.
You may express your condolences online at lowesfunerahome.net.
Lowes Funeral Home is honored to be entrusted with the arrangements.