Frank Whiteside

1953 - 2015

Frank Dwight Whiteside
1953-2015
PORTRAIT OF A LIFE WELL-LIVED
FRANK DWIGHT WHITESIDE
On June 20, 1953, Frank Delano Whiteside and Mary Breda gave birth to a wonderful baby boy, Frank Dwight Whiteside in historical 5th Ward, Houston, Texas. Frank graduated from Kashmere Garden High School in 1971. He continued his academic pursuits at Tuskegee Institute, the now Tuskegee University and was awarded a Bachelor of Science in Political Science degree in 1979. In 2008, Frank was awarded the degree of Masters of Arts in Education, Curriculum and Instruction by the University of Phoenix. He was a Ph.D. candidate in Higher Education Administration at the University of Phoenix.
Frank was a 20-year educator in Houston ISD. He started at Dogan Elementary school, where in 1995 he was Teacher of the year. He moved on to Sanderson Elementary school where he was a second grade teacher for many years. He served most recently as the District's Manager of Elementary Curriculum for Social Studies. Prior to that, he was a Social Studies specialist and model lesson writer in the Curriculum department. Frank spent his life in the service of others. He dedicated his life to education through his work in HISD and his Church. Frank was a lifelong learner and scholar. His work as a social studies specialist and then manager will live on in the curriculum he shaped for the district. He felt passionately about ensuring students learn history and citizenship so they could make a difference in the world. He had high expectations for all students and expected them to reach their full potential. He was a wonderful trainer and preacher and he came to life in front of an audience. Frank had a dry sense of humor and always had a comment to make you smile. After making a statement, Frank would pause and wait for a reaction followed by an infectious grin. In addition to his sense of humor, Frank had a beautiful singing voice and it was always a treat on the rare occasions when he could be persuaded to sing at a work function. Frank had a good heart and opened his home to those in need. He did what he could to care of others. His knowledge of social studies and passion for learning will live on in the students and teachers he served.
Frank's social life was full. He was a long standing member of Kappa Alpha Psi Fraternity, Inc. He pledged Gamma Epsilon Chapter (The Lighthouse Chapter) of the Kappa Alpha Psi Fraternity, Inc in Tuskegee Institute (University), Alabama in the Fall of 1972. He was also an active member of the Houston Alumni Chapter of Kappa Alpha Psi Fraternity, Inc.
Frank served as Youth Pastor and organist for Pleasant Hill Baptist Church for several years. Eventually after joining his present church, Living Word Fellowship Church in Houston, Texas, he became the Associate Worship Pastor. He worshiped there for almost 17 years. Frank was a consummate musician. Frank was also the organist and choirmaster at his Church. At Church, many longed to hear his lovely singing voice and be blessed during praise and worship. On quite a few occasions he blessed the congregation with his very well tailored sermons. He preached his last sermon a week before he passed on, on December 28, 2014 during the 8am service with the title, "Simple Lesson - Hard To Learn", Mark 4:35-41. He was ordained as a minister of the gospel of Christ at the Bethel Missionary Baptist Church in Tuskegee, Alabama, where he was also the Minister of music, more than 35 years ago. Preceding that he also was minister of music at the Mt. Calvary Missionary Christian Church in Tuskegee Institute (University), Tuskegee, Alabama. Frank was a featured soloist for Tuskegee Institute(University), choir; The Golden Voices.
Frank was simple hearted, easy to get along with and had a sense of style, always wanting to look good in his many sweaters and tailored clothing's. He was a devoted friend and mentor to quite a few people.
He was preceded in death by his godmother; Wilma J. Ganther, godfather; Leo Ganther Snr., father; Frank Delano Whiteside, his brother; Danny Lindorff Jernigan and sister; Wilhelmina J. Williams.
We join in celebration of Frank's life with his family and friends; Mother: Mary Hope of Oakland, California. Siblings: D'Andrea Perry (Charles) & Maedana Johnson (Michael) of Houston, Texas. Schandra Hope, Christopher Hope, Cha-Francis Whiteside, Delanie Whiteside, Michelle Whiteside and Derrick Whiteside, all of California. Rev. Samy Farrugia, a very dear friend of Houston, Texas and some very close friends, Lyndia J. Tarkington, Anthony Young, all of Houston, Texas. Donnie Hatcher of Tuskegee, Alabama. Robert and Renée Pope of Houston, Texas. A godson/daughter, Aniefiok (Robert) Obot & ShawnaLee Chue of Houston, Texas and a host of cousins, nieces, nephews, as well as great nieces and nephews, very many friends & church family.
Visitation (Saturday) January 17, 2015 10-!0:55am. Home going celebration will begin at 11a.m. both services will be held at Living Word Fellowship, 7350 T.C. Jester, Rev. Paul Cannings, Sr. Pastor.