St. Louis, MO – The St. Louis community is grieving the loss of Sundy Whiteside, a revered figure and Board President of the St. Louis Association of Community Organizations (SLACO). The announcement of her passing was made on the SLACO Facebook group, expressing condolences and honoring her significant contributions.
Whiteside, a native of St. Louis, was known for her impactful role as the board president of SLACO and her pivotal position as a co-founder of the St. Louis Vacancy Collaborative. Graduating from Cardinal Ritter College Preparatory High School, she earned a Bachelor of Science in Electrical Engineering from Missouri University of Science & Technology.
Her professional journey included roles as a Factory Information Systems Engineer at Daimler Chrysler and a Project Engineer at MEMC Electronic Materials, Inc. Additionally, she served as a Site and Technology Coordinator for St. Louis County and City Community Action Agencies. Notably, Whiteside held a Missouri real estate license and managed Equitable Development Strategies (EDS), a consulting firm, and Homeownership for All.
@SLACO314 mourns the loss of our Board President and Community Leader, @sewstl314 Sundy Whiteside.She was an ardent supporter of our community and will be greatly missed. pic.twitter.com/VLh35uFlWW
— SLACO (@SLACO314) December 7, 2023
Mayor Francis Slay appointed Whiteside to the Tax Increment Financing Commissioner position for the City of St. Louis from 2000 to 2014. Beyond her professional commitments, she actively engaged in community initiatives, contributing to organizations like the National Society of Black Engineers, Girl Scout Council of Greater St. Louis Board (Technology Committee), National Coalition of 100 Black Women, Top Ladies of Distinction, Inc., and Delta Sigma Theta Sorority, Inc.
St. Louis lost one of its biggest cheerleaders last night. Sundy Whiteside was a strong advocate for neighborhoods to stay organized around issues impacting their community. She was also my friend and Soror.
St. Louis is a better place because of Sundy. She will truly be missed. https://t.co/TMT0alWEFF
— Mayor Tishaura O. Jones (@saintlouismayor) December 7, 2023
Her notable achievements were recognized with awards such as the 2019 Community Planning Champion Award from the American Planning Association’s St. Louis Metro Section, acknowledging her substantial contributions to neighborhood development. Her dedication to community service was honored by the City of St. Louis in 2008 and 2016.
Details regarding Sundy Whiteside’s obituary and funeral arrangements are expected to be communicated by her family, providing an opportunity for the community to pay respects and celebrate her impactful legacy.
