Annie Lounette Durham Tidwell

Annie Lounette Brassfield Tidwell, lovingly known as “Mama” to those closest to her, passed away peacefully on the afternoon of January 23, 2026, at 5:54 p.m., with her family by her side. A funeral service will be held Monday, February 2, 2026, at 2:00 P.M. in the Chapel of Waller Funeral Home with Rev. Billy Ray Stonestreet officiating. Visitation will be held prior to the service beginning at 12:00 P.M. Burial will follow the service at Pine Flat Cemetery.

Annie was born on Friday, October 29, 1948, the tiniest and youngest of eight children born to T.J. and Florence Brassfield. So small at birth that she earned the nickname “Tator Bug,” Annie entered the world scrappy, determined, and ready to hold her own — traits that would define her for the rest of her life. As the baby of the family (or the “brat,” as her siblings teasingly called her), she was a proud daddy’s girl and never one to be overlooked.

What Annie lacked in formal education, she more than made up for with grit, hard work, and an unshakable can-do spirit. She knew who she was. She spoke her mind. She made no apologies for her thoughts or her feelings — and if she offended you once, twice, or several times, that was simply her style. Direct. Honest. To the point.

Yet on the opposite end of that tough exterior lived an enormous heart.

After a series of tragic suicides among young people in her hometown, Annie made a decision that would shape many lives — including her daughter’s. She opened Mama Ann’s Daycare, an in-home daycare she owned and operated for many years. She cared for countless children, managed the stresses of small business ownership, and did it all for one simple reason: she never wanted her daughter to come home to an empty house or feel alone.

Later in life, Annie returned to retail work, holding positions with Winn-Dixie, Jitney Jungle, and Walmart, until medical issues eventually led to her retirement. In her later years, being the last living sibling on her side of the family was a loneliness she found difficult to bear. She deeply missed the familiar bonds of siblings — even the ones filled with bickering, because love and fire often lived side by side in Annie’s world.

During her adult life, Annie married Arthur Durham. After five long years of fertility struggles, they welcomed their daughter, Angela — something they both often said was one of the greatest gifts of their lives.

Though that marriage eventually ended, Annie later found her true partner and best friend in Larry Tidwell. Together, they built a life rooted in loyalty, laughter, and deep companionship. Their love was not loud or showy, but steady — the kind found in inside jokes, gentle teasing, and taking care of one another every single day. Even in their frequent “discussions,” laughter was never far behind.

Angela often joked she was jealous of their closeness while living away in Atlanta — until she realized that what they shared was exactly what love is supposed to be.

When Annie and Larry married, Angela stood beside them at the altar at just seven years old, having made it clear: “If you marry her, you’re marrying me too.” And he did — becoming not just a stepfather, but a true dad in every sense of the word. Through him, Angela gained not one, but two fathers — a gift she never took lightly.

Annie was the common thread that brought all of that love together.

She taught her daughter to stand up for herself, to believe she could do anything — even if, at times, that same independence led to spirited disagreements when life didn’t unfold exactly as Annie had envisioned. Still, they moved through every phase together: illness, divorce, marriage, growth, heartbreak, pride, and joy — always as a unit.

Above all else, Annie was a mother.

Every night of Angela’s childhood ended the same way — with prayers, a small cup of juice, gentle kisses placed carefully across her face, and three soft taps on the nose for “I love you.” Later in life, after a minor stroke, the ritual shortened, but the love never did. For years — even after Angela moved back home — Annie ended each night with, “Good night. Sleep tight. Don’t let the bedbugs bite. Sweet dreams. I love you. See you in the morning.”

In recent days, the words quietly shortened to “Sweet dreams.”

And on her final night, those words were spoken once more — this time with intention, gratitude, and love beyond measure.

Angela held her mother’s hand, kissed her again and again, and told her how thankful she was — for her life, her love, and the privilege of being her daughter.

Annie’s exit from this world may have come sooner than expected, but it was peaceful, tender, and beautiful.

She leaves behind her devoted husband, Larry Tidwell of Taylor, MS; her beloved daughter, Angela Durham of Taylor, MS; her brother-in-law, Kenny Tidwell; a host of nieces and nephews; and one very special grand-dog, Bubba. In addition to her parents, Annie was preceded in death by her seven brothers and sisters.

Annie Lounette Brassfield Tidwell made a powerful entrance into this world — and an unforgettable impact while she was here.

She will be missed beyond words.

And she will be loved forever.