Ouida Mae (Dent) Whiteside

Yes, on the anniversary of Mrs. Whiteside´s passing, I want to just remind her loved ones of the great teacher and all around great woman that she was. I still think of her; I can hardly compose anything beyond a quick text without her lessons entering my mind. She expanded my thinking, and while I believe I have already mentioned this, that expanded thinking has served me all of my life. I had a great career, unique and rewarding, which was, to a great degree, based upon my writing skills. Now I´m retired and was approached by Amazon to be a reviewer of their products. In exchange, I get to keep the product (don´t worry; it´s all above board when they post a paid review). But being sought out because of my writing skills by a company like Amazon makes me say, "Brava, Mrs. Whiteside. Brava".

Miss you everyday but I know you are with Daddy, the love of your life. Enjoy. Love2U

I miss you everyday. You were my grandmother, my best friend, and my mom all in one. I feel lost many days with out you around. I hope you know how much Easton and I miss you. We cry often and laugh often and those memories are because of you.

I love you always, Merry Christmas

Even though I have already posted here, I have to point out that it's late July and comments and memories are still coming in for this extraordinary teacher. I hope it keeps up. I have heard people say that we don't die; we live on in the lives of the people we touched. Mrs. Whiteside touched so many people and shared with them such an important gift, that she will live on for a very, very long time.

I graduated from Anderson High School in 97 and I was one of Mrs Whiteside's students. After graduating we would correspond by mail. For years we sent Christmas cards. She empowered me to become the person I am today. She believed in me during a very hard time in my life. I was the kid who was bullied and picked on. But she showed me I was important, that I had talent. I was writing short stories and poetry back then and she encouraged me to send in some poetry to a contest and possibly to get published. Well long story short I was published around 10 times in 8 different books. I am currently back in college and going for a business degree. I still remember Mrs. Whiteside and think of her often. She will truly be missed.

Mrs. Whiteside was a teacher I remembered fondly from Anderson H.S. She had a way of creating passion for English in her class. She will be missed and I will always
remember her.
-Ray Lennon

It was my pleasure to have Mrs. Whiteside as my English teacher at McCallum High School in the 1960's. She made diagraming sentences "fun", and she encouraged reading, which was my passion. I will never forget her happy smile and enthusiasm for her students. Because of her, many students from my generation went through life speaking and writing "proper" English. Even today, I find it very difficult to text without using complete sentences and correct punctuation! We need teachers of her caliber today. My sympathy to her family; I know she left many wonderful memories for you.

It was my great fortune to have Mrs. Whiteside as one of my high school English teachers at Anderson High School in the late '70's. She had such an obvious passion for and appreciation of the English language. I was lucky enough to have just a bit of her great enthusiasm rub off on me and it has served me all of my life. Thank you, dear Mrs. Whiteside for the gift you gave to us, your students. To this day, I remember your favorite word and use it whenever the opportunity presents itself. Thank you for teaching me so many wonderful and useful things, among them the ability to speak and write with great specificity. - Nanci Haehnel, Anderson H.S., 1977

I had Mrs. Whiteside as my high school English teacher at Anderson high school. She was a wonderful teacher and a beautiful person. She was very kind and patient. I graduated in 1975 but never forgot Mrs. Whiteside or her lessons in life. I am sad for her family, but know she influenced many generations with her knowledge. God Bless Mrs. Whiteside, Love Linda Shield