Claudia Ray Tidwell

Claudia Ray Tidwell, 83, a resident of Goshen, Alabama, passed away peacefully in her home on Saturday, January 3rd, 2026, while surrounded by her family. Funeral services for Claudia will be held at 10 AM on Monday, January 5th, from the Chapel of Turners Funeral Home with her nieces, Patricia Beck and Crystal Morgan, officiating. Interment will follow in Henderson Cemetery in Goshen with Turners Funeral Home of Luverne directing. The family will receive friends at the funeral home from 9:30 to 10 AM.

Claudia was a phenomenal cook and her family never failed to enjoy every single dish that came out of her kitchen, whether it was one of numerous Southern staples or pecan pies & cakes that were so delicious they would just melt in your mouth. Of course, her skills were honed by almost 30 years spent working in the lunchroom at Goshen High School and I know every single student missed her dearly after she retired. When she wasn't cooking, Claudia was usually either tending to her beautiful garden of flowers or had her nose buried in the latest book she was enjoying.

Claudia's door was always open to family, friends, & loved ones, and they knew they would always find a listening ear and supportive shoulder to lean on with all the sanctity of a confessional booth! No surprise given how authentic and generous she was with every single person she met. She never put on airs or treated others different. No, Claudia was Claudia no matter where she was or who she was talking to. Don't let appearances fool you, however, because she had all the fierceness of a mama bear when it came to her beloved children and especially the little boy who called her "Nanny." There's no doubt that her family grew and thrived in the sunshine of her love that nourished them throughout her life. She was their anchor & their rock, and they will continue to hold tight to all the wonderful memories they made together for the rest of their lives.

Claudia was preceded in death by her parents, Ray Rhodes and Nancy Duncan Wright, and siblings, Jeannie Worthington and William Rhodes. She is survived by her beloved husband of 67 years, John Henry Tidwell; their children, Johnny Tidwell and Dianne (Louis) Sikes; grandson, Jon Dalton Sikes; siblings, Donna Lowe and Wayne Rhodes; and numerous nieces, nephews, extended family members, and friends.

Active pallbearers will be Timothy Rhodes, Curtis Rhodes, William Ray Rhodes, Tony Lowe, Kenny Ray Worthington, and Jon Dalton Sikes.