Jonell Stroud Stidham

Services for Jonell Stroud Stidham, 80, of Tyler, will be held on Wednesday, February 27, 2013 at 2:00 PM at Pleasant Retreat United Methodist Church with Dr. Allison Thompson officiating. A private burial will follow under the direction of Stewart Family Funeral Home. Mrs. Stidham passed away Sunday, February 24, 2013 in Tyler. She was born April 24, 1932 in Colfax, Texas to Marvin and Margie Stroud. She was surrounded by love from the Colfax community and at the age of 10 gave her heart to the Lord under the Colfax Tabernacle. She later moved to the Dixie community in Tyler where she joined Pleasant Retreat United Methodist Church. Jonell graduated from Dixie School and Tyler Commercial Business College. Afterward, she waited for her sweetheart, Herman Stidham, to return from the U.S. Army during two years of service. Many air mail letters were sent and received during this time. They were married in Pleasant Retreat United Methodist church on February 20, 1953. The Lord so graciously blessed them with four children and their spouses: Linda Diane Gladden and husband Michael, Ronald Bryant Stidham and wife Robin, Clifton Lee Stidham and wife Tammy, and an infant baby boy. They were blessed with four wonderful and loving grandchildren, Heath Stidham and wife Jessica, Ryan Stidham, Sara Parker and husband Greg and Holly Stidham. Jonell’s whole life was given to helping others. Everything she did was out of love; she never expected anything in return. She was a longtime member of Pleasant Retreat United Methodist Church, where she served faithfully in many areas of the church. She was a Sunday school teacher, a member of The United Methodist Women involved in Mission Work and numerous committees of the Church. She could always be found serving the Lord at her Church during the week. Mrs. Stidham is also survived by siblings; Margaret McFarland and husband Hal, Marion Reeves and husband Ralph, Beverly Whitham and Danny Stroud and wife Jackie; sisters and brothers-in-law; Myrlene and David Florey and Raymond and Marilyn Stidham. Honorary pallbearers will be nephews, Tommy and Aaron Cook; cousins and the Neoma Wilkerson Sunday School class Visitation is scheduled from 5:00 to 7:30 PM on Tuesday, February 26, 2013 at Stewart Family Funeral Home, 7525 Old Jacksonville Highway, in Tyler. “Don’t worry that you are not strong enough before you begin. It is the journey with God that makes you strong. If desired, memorials may be made to the Pleasant Retreat Church Budget Fund, 417 County Road 1143, Tyler, Texas 75704.

Jonell Stroud Stidham

April 24, 1932 - February 24, 2013