Billye Joye Davidson Tidwell, 96 of Paris, went home to be with her Lord at 1:23 PM on Tuesday, August 4, 2026 , at her daughter’s residence. Funeral services will be held at 4:00 PM Friday, August 7, 2026 in the chapel of Fry-Gibbs Funeral Home with Rev. Gary Davidson and Rev. Daniel Hines officiating. Burial will follow in the Evergreen Cemetery. Family will receive friends one hour prior to service in the chapel.
Billye was born in Hughes, Oklahoma the daughter of Homer Jennings & Alma Inez Peden Davidson. She was an office manager for several physicians in Paris. Mrs. Tidwell wrote several poems and was a member of New Life Worship Center.
She loved and adored her family especially her grandchildren.
She married Harold Lester Tidwell her spouse of 68 years, on July 29, 1947 in Mena, Arkansas. He preceded her in death on July 20, 2015. She was also preceded in death by a son Cary Eugene Tidwell and his wife, Faye, son-in-law, Troy Drake, a brother, Stephen Bradly Davidson a sister, Lila Mae Davidson Favors. and her parents.
She is survived by her daughter, Tonya Ann Tidwell Drake; grandchildren, Chele Sachs (Doug), Kimberly Tidwell, Patrick Drake (Carolyn) and Jonathan Drake (Britney); great grandchildren, Katherine Sachs, Benjamin Sachs, Zachery Sachs, Trinity Drake Miller (Caleb), Benjamin Drake (Morgan), Jacob Drake (Lexi), Jayden Drake (fiance’ Trevor Kemp), Cade Drake (Gracie), Jasper Drake, Katelyn & Kyle Kinslow, Montana & Rebecca Parson; great-great granddaughters, Isla Rose Drake and Kylyn and Kasleigh Kinslow and great great grandsons, Callen River Drake and Kade Parson and brothers, Homer Jennings Davidson Jr. and Harold (Hal) Davidson.
Pallbearers will be Patrick Drake, Johnathan Drake, Benjamin Drake, Jacob Drake, Cade Drake and Rick Favors. Honorary pallbearers will be Homer Jennings Davidson Jr. and Harold (Hal) James Davidson
The Drake family would like to extend a special thank-you to Platinum Home Health and Hospice for the wonderful care extended to Billye , especially Rachel Wood, Lexi Drake, Tiffany Wilkerson and Liz for being so sweet, and the rest of the staff.
Online condolences may be sent to the Drake Family by visiting www.fry-gibbs.com
