Mrs. Dorothy Augusta Cole

Dorothy Augusta Tidwell Cole, a beloved mother, mother-in- law, grandmother, aunt, cousin, sister-in-law, godmother, and dear friend passed away peacefully in the early morning of Friday, March 21, 2025, at the age of ninety-four, with her children by her side. She lived a life filled with love, laughter, and a deep dedication to Christ, family, and friends. FAMILY Dorothy Augusta Tidwell Cole was born on December 30, 1930, the sixth child (fourth daughter) of Mack Clyde Tidwell and Mary Elizabeth (Mae Lizzie) Dobbins Tidwell, in Bodenham, Tennessee. All preceded her in death. She was considered such a pretty, petite infant that her eldest sister Mary Kate, would hide her in a shoe box out of fear company would try to steal her, rendering her the nickname "Shoe Box Baby"! At a young tender age, Dorothy followed the love of her life, Lewis Leon, to Detroit, Michigan and was united in holy matrimony at St. Paul Cumberland Presbyterian Church in America. To this union three children were born: Lewis Leon, Jr., John Wayne, and Beth Deyvonne. Her husband of 62 years and middle child preceded her in death. LIFE Dorothy found joy in working for J.L. Hudson's/Macy's Department Store for 30+ years as a Sales Professional. Her career began during a time when people of color were only being hired as elevator operators and cafeteria workers. After retirement she volunteered in a soup kitchen helping to feed the hungry and homeless. She often hosted gatherings, showing her love for cooking. There were weekly fish fries, Bid Whist games and especially the annual Easters, Thanksgivings, Christmas Eve, family/open house events, distinguished by a smorgasbord of delicious food like fried chicken, ham, turkey, dressing, yams macaroni & cheese, bar-be-que, her famous fried corn and cornbread. Her favorite holiday was Christmas. Her entire family, neighbors, friends, and adopted children gathered at "Dorothy Cole's" on Christmas Eve and returned for Christmas dinner. Every summer she looked forward to going to Blocks Stand and Greenhouse, returning home with one hundred plus ears of corn (mixed and white), spending the next three to four days shucking, silking, cutting off, cooking, and bagging, to share with family and friends. Dorothy served tirelessly at St. Paul Cumberland Presbyterian Church in America for 70 years, never wavering in her commitment. On February 23, 2025, St. Paul celebrated her tireless dedication of service in various roles and auxiliaries. She was active in everything at St. Paul from participation to giving advice. For many years she was the face of the culinary department. Legacy Dorothy radiated love. Her journey with the Lord began at Bodenham, Tennessee First Baptist Church where she, her six siblings and mother were the choir, musicians, and choir director. Remembering the songs, "I Was Glad When They Said Unto Me", "Precious Lord", "You Can't Beat God's Giving, No Matter How Hard You Try". That song must have been implanted in Dorothy's spirit because she has been giving all her life. The song says, "the more you give, the more he gives to you". She gave and He has given her 94 years. Dorothy will be remembered for her love of Christ, love of family, love of people, love of cooking, love of gatherings... LOVE OF LIFE. She touched so many, and her memory will be cherished by all who knew her. Her memory will forever be cherished by her children, Lewis Leon, Jr. (Gail), and Beth (her Uber drivers); four grandchildren, one brother-in-law Paul Cole of Sheffield, Alabama; two sisters-in-law, Mary Jean Cole of Sheffield, Alabama, Rosie-Mae Cole of Florence, Alabama, a host of nephews, nieces, cousins, godchildren, bonus children and many friends.

Mrs. Dorothy Augusta Cole

December 30, 1930 - March 21, 2025