Diane Tidwell

Diane (Watkins) Tidwell affectionately known as “Lady Di” by her family and friends. She was born on January 21, 1949 to the late Woodrow Watkins Sr. and Annie Mae Watkins in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania. She had two sisters Christine Watkins and Geneva Maddox and two brothers, Woodrow Jr. and Charles Watkins, and one grandson Lamar, who preceded her in death.

Diane at an early age moved with her sister, Kathleen and family to Valdosta Georgia where they enjoyed their childhood life together. Later, they returned back to Philadelphia Pennsylvania where she received all her formal education in the Philadelphia School System. While living on 32nd Street, she met the love of her life, Firrell Tidwell.

Diane married Firrell Tidwell, who preceded her in death. From that union they had four children: Loretta, who preceded her in death, Daniel, Marjorie and Sophia. She was a devoted wife and mother, who worked willingly with her hands to care for her family, by cooking , cleaning, and sewing clothes for them and others. While living in California she helped to raise all of her grandchildren. She provided them with her kindness, compassion, patience and tolerance throughout her life.

Diane at an early age accepted Jesus Christ as her personal Savior. She attended church with many of her family members from time to time. She enjoyed the fellowship and she loved the Lord. She had a unique relationship with each of her nieces and nephews, where she provided a listening ear and they can count on an honest feedback that shaped them all. Aunt Diane would say, “I can sell you a wooden nickel and fried ice cream because no problem was to difficult… I got this”!!!

Diane had a passion for sewing. She also loved to watch old movies, and she combined her two favorite hobbies to create extraordinary art. Her two daughters were named after one of those movies and she would design their clothes. She was an energetic, outgoing, a happy go lucky type of person, who got along with everyone she encountered. She enjoyed traveling, especially to California, reading and doing crossword puzzles. She was also an enthusiastic music lover and a collector of family memorabilia. She was known for her quick wit, her infectious smile, and her kind and compassionate spirit.

Diane was one of the matriarchs of 32nd street for more than 50 years and was known as Aunt Di to the whole North Philly community. She was a part of the 32nd Street Block Association, where she participated in community events and still believed in that “old school” upbringing, where she looked after all the kids of the neighborhood. She liked going to “Sweets” and “Lil Glady’s house” to socialize with all her neighborhood friends, to listen to music, to dance, and kicking the breeze while having moments of speaking her mind.

Diane leaves to cherish precious memories: her children Daniel, Marjorie and Sophia, one sister Kathleen, two sister-in-law Dorothy Watkins and Gladys McDaniel, one brother-in-law Terry Tidwell; grandchildren Shintrice, Danny, Leon, Sharae, Daniella De’Ante, De’Vion; a host of great-grand, nieces, nephews, cousins and dear friends Mary Smith, Helen Dadney and Tyrone Dobbins along with the neighborhoods, community and the world.

Prayerfully Submitted By

The Family