Norma J. Tidwell

It is with deep sorrow and much love that we mourn the passing of our beloved Norma Jean (Ma), 87 of Hendersonville, TN. She returned to her heavenly home on May 20, and while our hearts are heavy, we take comfort in knowing she is at peace and sitting at the welcome table.

Norma was born on September 12, 1938, in Nashville, TN to Erskine and Elizabeth (Hale) Hadley. She grew up surrounded by a large family that influenced her love, strength, and laughter. Norma’s resilience and hard work paid off as she literally rose from the basement of Caster Knott’s to payroll/accounting at Goodwill of Middle Tennessee. Throughout her career she continued to make lifelong friends she cared for deeply. In 1960 she gave birth to her one-and-only Angela, and in 1972 she and Robert (Bob) Tidwell were married and soon moved to Hendersonville to continue their story of love and devoted companionship.

Norma enjoyed cooking for loved ones, playing her hammered dulcimer and autoharp, travel (especially to historical sites), family get-to-gethers, her “murder shows,” crafting, and slow mornings feeding the birds and spending time with her Ruby and kitties. Norma was a source of love and warmth to everyone who knew her. She will be deeply missed and forever remembered.

She is preceded in death by her parents Erskine and Elizabeth, daughter Angela Montgomery, sister Jewell Putty, brothers Gerald, Kenneth, Victor (Snookie), Erskine Jr (Dooney), and several dearer nieces and nephews. She is survived by husband Bob, granddaughter Ali Winkler (Matt), great-granddaughter Ruby, brother Randolph (Grace), and many cherished nieces and nephews.

Norma will be remembered for the kindness and love she gave to her family and everyone she met, the beautiful music of her dulcimer, the meals she poured her heart into, and her sweet giggle.

A visitation will be held on Saturday, May 30,2026, from 12pm-2pm at Hendersonville Funeral Home. A Celebration of Life will begin at 2pm in the Chapel with inurnment to follow at Hendersonville Memory Gardens.