Brenda Darlene (Lock) Tidwell

Brenda Darlene (Lock) Tidwell, age 76 of Alcoa, passed away on January 5, 2026.

Born in Dyersburg, Tennessee, on February 17, 1949, Brenda moved with her family to Chicago when she was about two years old. She lived there until 1987, but the Windy City never stood a chance against her roots. Despite those thirty-six years up north, her accent remained as southern as a buttered biscuit.

As a CNA, Brenda found her true calling. While she could be demanding with those closest to her, she possessed a unique, soft-hearted patience for her patients. She was the person who couldn’t say “no” to someone in need, making her a natural at navigating the challenges of assisted living and skilled nursing home care at Shannondale, from which she retired in 2019.

At home, Brenda was a dedicated night owl who preferred the quiet of the dark, fueled by a 24/7 coffee habit and a legendary sweet tooth. Whether it was pie, cake, or donuts, Brenda never met a dessert she didn't like—though her mother’s recipes for homemade moonpies, lasagna, potato salad, and dressing remained her favorites to prepare for family gatherings. When she wasn't watching All My Children, The Waltons, Judge Judy, The Golden Girls, or Mama’s Family, she delighted in knowing what was going on in everyone else’s life—whether they wanted her to know or not. Though she struggled with her health and a heavy spirit at times, she remained a constant presence in the lives of her family.

Brenda’s favorite hobbies were spoiling her grandchildren by sending them home full of sweets and using the internet on her phone to search for "anything" Elvis. She never adapted to other technology and couldn't text unless she did so by mistake. Her family has laughed for years about the results of her one high-tech skill—saying "Show me Elvis" to her phone—and they will long cherish the memory of her unintentional midnight texts, which usually consisted of random pictures, contacts, or whichever letter her thumb happened to bump.

Both car rides and family events began with the same request: "Play some Elvis" so it is only fitting that her life be summed up by his music. For those who knew Brenda well, it's fair to say she truly lived by the Elvis mantra, "I Did It My Way"—for better or for worse, she was unapologetically herself.

She was preceded in death by her idol, Elvis Presley; her parents, Lena and James Lock; her siblings, Don Lock, Ruth Yarbro, Gail Brown, and Mike Lock; her nephew, Derek Binkley; and her dearest friends, Mavis Stokley and Martha Hendricks.

She is survived by her children, Lisa (Terry) Johnson and Kristy (Kevin) Valentine; her sister, Denise Lock; her grandchildren, Kyle (Maddie) Valentine, Andy (Kendra) Johnson, Kate Johnson, Derek Valentine, and Dustin (Emma) Valentine; and her great-grandchildren, Sutton and Cyrus Valentine. She also leaves behind her nieces, Tammy (Pat) Hines, Kim Readenour, and Kathy (Bill) Gillman; her nephews, Ryan Binkley, James Yarbro, and Mark Lock; great-nieces and nephews Kristen, Shannon, Chelsea, Christian, Abbi, Brooke, Austin, and Carly; several great-great nieces and nephews; and her dear friends Brenda Kilby and Aileen Tesone.

The family wishes to extend a special thank you to Monika, Neeko, Summer, and the Gentiva Hospice team for providing the peace of mind that allowed our Mom to pass in peace.

Family and friends will gather to remember Brenda on Saturday, January 10, 2026, at Victory at Pistol Creek Baptist Church (1025 Montvale Rd, Maryville, TN).

• Visitation: 12:00 PM – 2:00 PM
• Memorial Celebration: 2:00 PM
• Interment: A processional to Grandview Cemetery for a graveside scripture reading will follow the service.

Funeral arrangements are through McCammon-Ammons-Click Funeral Home with Dr. Jeremy Wallace officiating. In her honor, the family asks that you wear something purple, have a cup or two of coffee, and play some Elvis today.