On Friday, July 29 ^th , Sandra Yates Tidwell, loving wife, devoted mother of two and the best Mimi on earth to 6 grandchildren, passed away at the age of 72. Sandi was born in Panama City, FL on November 24 ^th , 1949 to Litton and Joyce Yates of Springfield, FL. Growing up with her two brothers and sister, and next door to cousins, aunts and uncles, Sandi had countless memories of her childhood that she loved to tell.  She married Jerome in 1970 and they were devoted to each other for 52 years.  After raising two boys, Sandi returned to school and received a bachelor's degree in education from Florida State University in 1993.  She taught at Springfield Elementary and then found her calling at Mowat Middle School as a reading teacher in 1996.  Her passion for knowledge touched the lives of innumerable Bay County students, teachers and faculty.  After retiring from Mowat in 2016, Sandi enjoyed traveling and spending time with her grandchildren. In June of 2022, Sandi and Jerome finished one of their bucket list dreams of visiting all 50 states of the United States.  They have travelled together to over a dozen international countries to see the wonders of God's creation.

First Baptist Church Panama City played a vital role in Sandi's life.  She devoted herself in teaching Sunday School, helping with youth trips, singing in the choir, organizing the hospitality room for VBS, helping start a mission church in Mexico Beach, serving in WMU, and countless other unseen ways.  Her faith was evident to anyone she encountered.

Sandi was preceded in death by her father, Litten, mother, Joyce, and sister, Gayle.  She is survived by her husband Jerome, two children and their wives, Jeremy (Patti), and Ragan (Rhonda); two brothers, Jimmy Yates (Judy), Gary Yates (Lisa); brother-in-law, Darrell Tidwell (Julie). She was Mimi to Keelan, Bella, Riley Kate, Brody, Zoe Kate and Olivia.  To name all of her adopted brothers, sisters, sons, daughters and grandchildren would be almost impossible.  Know that she loved each of you as if you were her own blood.

Funeral services will be held on Tuesday, August 2, 2022 at 2pm at First Baptist Church of Panama City with Dr. Craig Conner officiating. The family will receive friends from 1-2 pm, on Tuesday, prior to the service. In lieu of flowers, the family request that memorial donations be made to First Baptist Church Building Fund, PO Box 1200, Panama City, FL 32402, in memory of Sandi Tidwell.