Lauranell Clayton Tidwell was a fifth generation Floridian, born on November 20, 1928 in Mayo, Florida. She attended public schools, graduated from Suwannee High School; Live Oak, FL where she was a cheerleader, and played clarinet in the band. She briefly attended Florida Women's College, now Florida State University, then moved to Texas where she met and married Ellis M Tidwell. Together they spent several years in Texas; Caracas Venezuela, Satellite Beach, FL and Georgia before moving to Orlando in 1970. She always loved Live Oak and Suwannee County and returned to live there in 1992 to be near her sister, Rowena and husband. Lauranell became reacquainted with childhood friends and was an active member of First Baptist Church, Live Oak. She was a homemaker most of her life, an avid reader, loved to cook and spend time with family. Lauranell greatly enjoyed her children, grandchildren and great-grandchildren. In 2008 she returned to Central Florida and relocated to Maitland to be near her daughter and son. She was a loving mother and grandmother whose kindness, southern charm, wisdom and quick wit will be truly missed by all.

Among those who will cherish her memories are daughter, Barbara Bishop (Richard), son, Mark Tidwell (Ellen), grandchildren, Vonnie Hudson (Cranley), Cothee Tomaini, Benjamin Ford, Molly Ford and Holly Bishop, and great grandchildren- Skylar Harmon, Claire and Grant Hudson, Sophie Stalvey and many nieces and nephews.

Lauranell was predeceased by her husband, Ellis, her parents, Charles W Clayton Sr and Vonnie Mickler Clayton, sisters, Evelyn Shaw, Rowena Bryan, brother Charles W Clayton, Jr and grandson Justin Ellis Tidwell.

A celebration of her life will be held Sunday, February 18, 2018 at 2:30 PM; Altamonte Chapel, 825 E. Altamonte Drive; Altamonte Springs, FL 32701.

The family requests that in lieu of flowers, donations be made in her memory to the Crohn's and Colitis Foundation or the charity of your choice.