Antioch for Youth and Family founder Charolette Tidwell has died

Charolette Tidwell, retired nurse, longtime community engager, and founder of Antioch for Youth and Family, passed away Nov. 28. She was 78.

Part of a statement from Antioch noted that Tidwell was a “leader of unmatched strength, a mentor to countless souls, a selfless humanitarian, and a devoted wife, mother, and friend.”

After retiring from a career in nursing with Sparks Hospital and Beverly Enterprises, Tidwell expanded the work begun by her late husband, Lawrence, who was a sergeant with the Fort Smith Police Department. She founded Antioch in 2000, which is a volunteer-driven food pantry that works with numerous companies and U.S. Department of Agriculture programs.

Fort Smith Mayor George McGill presented Tidwell with a key to the city in 2020 after she received the prestigious 2020 Karen T Fondu Impact Award from L’Oreal Paris.

“She was an anchor for the weak and hopeless, and a champion for those working for the good of Fort Smith. Her mentors were Elizabeth McGill and Euba Winton. They stood their ground for the less fortunate, senior citizens in need, abused women and children,” Mayor McGill said in a statement.

Her efforts during the COVID-19 pandemic brought more than $700,000 worth of food to individuals and families gathered at the Martin Luther King Park in Fort Smith.

“I have known Mrs. Tidwell since her playing piano at King Solomon Baptist church. She impacted so many people’s lives through serving and educating people on health and food insecurity. She will leave a void in the hearts of this city. She was a true hero,” said Rep. Jay Richardson, D-Fort Smith.

Antioch is a “senior mobile pantry and veterans mobile pantry programs in Arkansas feeding as many as 1,000 households each month and growing. … Antioch for Youth & Family offers a variety of services, including food assistance, housing support, and job training programs,” according to the organization’s website.

“You have saved countless lives and have touched the hearts of countless people. Your community service, in building ANTIOCH YOUTH AND FAMILY SERVICES, has focused on feeding the hungry, is a milestone accomplishment that few have tackled, YOU’VE MASTERED it,” noted a social media post from her son, Lawrence Tidwell, Jr., to announce her passing.

Tidwell in 2022 received the Jack White Leadership Award from the Fort Smith Regional Chamber of Commerce.

“Mrs. Tidwell pours her heart and soul into feeding anyone in need with multiple programs that assist young people, senior citizens, the disabled, veterans, and more. Thousands of people are directly and positively impacted each month through her diligent work to combat food insecurity,” the chamber noted in its recognition of Tidwell.

In 2020 Tidwell was in 2020 one of 30 people around the country selected by Lay’s to be part of the Lay’s Smiles packaging. The program featured the smiles of those who make an impact in their communities.

“The Lay’s Smiles packaging and brand’s digital media channels will spotlight the unique stories of these 30 “Everyday Smilers” whose impact includes helping the homeless, veterans, youth, elderly and more – in hopes that their inspiring work will bring smiles to the faces of people across the country,” Lay’s noted in a 2020 news release.