Ms. Phyllis Whiteside

In Loving Memory of Phyllis Parker-Whiteside
Phyllis Vinette Parker Whiteside was born August 19, 1952, in Gary, Indiana to Johnny and Vinette Dorothy Godfrey Parker. Both parents preceded her in death.
Phyllis attended Norton Elementary, Frebrol Blue Devils in Middle School, and Horace Mann in High School obtaining her high school diploma in 1970 in Gary, Indiana. She graduated with a Bachelor of Arts degree in Education from Lincoln University in Jefferson City, Missouri where she completed her undergraduate studies. She continued her education at the University of Missouri-Kansas City completing her master's degree in Guidance and Counseling. Phyllis continued to work toward a degree as an Advanced Education Specialist. Following her retirement, Phyllis pursued further education, graduating from Metropolitan Community College with an Associate of Arts in Digital Imaging.
Phyllis started working as an art teacher in Gary, Indiana in 1976. Eventually, Phyllis moved to Kansas City, Missouri. Soon afterwards, Phyllis started working for the Kansas City, Kansas School District as an assistant director of transportation, guidance counselor, assistant principal, and summer school principal.
Phyllis was a die-hard Kansas City Chiefs fan, and she was a season ticket holder for more than 15 years. Phyllis had a strong bond and was committed to her sorority, Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority Incorporated. She was currently a member of Kansas City, Missouri's Beta Omega Chapter and a former member of Kansas City, Kansas's Mu Omega Chapter. In her sorority, Phyllis had served in numerous capacities, including Graduate Advisor, Membership Chair, and Debutante Ball Graphic Designer. Phyllis was also very active with the Lincoln University of Missouri Alumni Chapter as well as her church, Palestine Missionary Baptist Church. Phyllis played a significant role in the Red Hats Society. Phyllis devoted her life to giving to her community and to youth. She worked to provide opportunities for college scholarships and community service to all mankind. Phyllis enjoyed discussing politics and current issues. If you knew Phyllis well, you knew that she never missed voting in any election. She was truly a political activist. Phyllis enjoyed traveling. She was a smooth jazz music enthusiast. Phyllis had the opportunity to travel extensively abroad. She visited the Caribbean islands, Australia, New Zealand, Spain, Canada, and Mexico to name a few.
Phyllis ranked as the family matriarch after her stepmother. She raised her two nieces and one nephew as her own, providing them with loving care. They attended Lincoln University in Jefferson City, Missouri and Langston University. She cherished all of her nieces and nephews. She raised them in the church and taught them life skills and family values. She loved her grandchildren, or as she would say, "she loved her babies". She was a devoted mother to her son, Edward T. Parker, Jr. of Southaven, Mississippi; and two daughters, Samantha (Ryan) Parker Sutch; and Cheyanne Parker of Kansas City, Missouri. She had a tremendous unconditional love for her family.
Phyllis leaves to cherish her memory her children, Edward T. Parker Jr. of Southaven, Mississippi; Samantha (Ryan) Sutch of Thomasville, Georgia; and Cheyanne Parker of Kansas City, Missouri. She also leaves to cherish her memory, her stepmother, Mrs. Dessi Parker of Dallas, Texas; her brothers, Dr. Johnny (Bonnie) Parker of Chicago, Illinois; Kevin V. Parker of Kansas City Missouri; Edward T. Parker Sr. of Kansas City Missouri; and her stepsister, Demitrius Lee of Dallas, Texas; three grandchildren; and a host of nieces, nephews, cousins, family, and friends. She also leaves to cherish her memory, her friends of fifty plus years, Barbara Graham; and Teretha (Terrie) Moore Estell of Kansas City Missouri.
Funeral Services will be held on Friday, August 9, 2024, 11am at Palestine Missionary Baptist Church. Private Disposition. Visitation from 10am-11:00am at the church. Services conducted by Lawrence A. Jones & Sons Funeral Chapel. Condolence may be shared on our website.