WILMINGTON — Gwen, as she was known, passed away Sunday, October 16, 2022, in Raleigh, North Carolina following an extended illness. A native of Wilmington, she was born June 27, 1945. She was predeceased by her parents, Pauline Roper Culbreth Christian and Lewis Edward Culbreth.
Gwen was a graduate of New Hanover High School and a cum laude graduate of UNC-Wilmington. While at UNC-W, she was Editor in Chief of the Fledgling, the yearbook, and, after graduation, became Yearbook Advisor. She was proud to be the first full time Public Information Officer at UNC-W and took pride in publishing news of the University’s many accomplishments. After marrying her husband, Jim, she worked for AT&T. His career in commercial printing caused them to be located over the Southeast, from Wilmington, to Texas and back to N.C. Upon retirement, they returned to Wilmington.
Duplicate Bridge was an important part of Gwen’s life. She directed games for the local Unit 118 Cape Fear Country Club and Figure 8 Island Yacht Club. She was a gifted bridge teacher and was adored by her students. She became certified to direct at regional tournaments and also achieved the rank of Gold Life Master.
She leaves her beloved husband, Jimmy Rayford Tidwell, two sons, Bruce (Mary) of Winston-Salem and Christopher (Cindy), of Chesapeake, VA, two grandchildren, Lauren of Salt Lake City, Utah, and James of Nashville, Tennessee. She is also survived by her brother, Stephen E. Culbreth (Bonnie) of Wilmington and sister, Sydney Culbreth Langford (Mark) of Raleigh, niece Ashley Culbreth Council (Scott) of Clayton and a nephew, Ethan E. Culbreth of Wilmington, great nieces Isabelle Council and Willa Council of Clayton.
Remembrances in Gwen’s memory may be made to the UNC-W English Department, the Lineberger Comprehensive Cancer Center, Chapel Hill, NC or to a charity of your choice.
A memorial service will be held Thursday, October 20, 2022, at 2:00 P.M. at Fifth Avenue Methodist Church, 409 South Fifth Avenue in Wilmington. Family will receive friends in the Fellowship Hall afterwards.
