"The Alpha Sigma Alpha family has experienced tremendous loss with the passing of our beloved Sidney. She was a true pioneer and leader for Alpha Sigma Alpha and the National Panhellenic Conference and her loyalty, leadership and service helped to move both organizations forward. A woman of poise and purpose, she touched the lives of all who came into contact with her and our lives are much richer thanks to her," said Cindy Kelley, national president.

Sidney was initiated into the Psi Psi Chapter at Northwestern State College in Natchitoches, LA, in the fall of 1939. Alpha Sigma Alpha's President Emerita Wilma Wilson Sharp, ZZ, presided over the initiation. She served her collegiate chapter as treasurer and two-term president. Sidney was also the campus Panhellenic vice president and president.

Sidney's degree was in elementary education and she began her career in her home state of Louisiana. She and her husband, John, settled in Hattiesburg, MS, in 1953 where John served as a professor of sociology at the University of Southern Mississippi and dean of the university. During that time, Sidney became the advisor to the Beta Delta Chapter at the same university and held that role for 12 years. She was also a member of the Hattiesburg Alumnae Chapter from 1954 to 1969 and served as the chapter vice president and president.

Sidney received a master's degree in education and child psychology. She retired from teaching in 1960 turning her talents and education toward community and sorority work.

Sidney held various volunteer roles within the sorority, including national vice president of alumnae programs from 1976-78, before serving as Alpha Sigma Alpha's delegate to NPC from 1978-92. She remained on Alpha Sigma Alpha's NPC delegation after her rotation as NPC chairman. Sidney volunteered for the Alpha Sigma Alpha Foundation serving on its board as treasurer 1998-99 and secretary 2000-02.

Funeral services for Sidney will be held Wednesday, Nov. 17, 2010 at 2 p.m. at Rose-Neath Funeral Home Chapel in Minden, LA. Officiating will be Dr. Richard May. Interment will follow at Gilgal Cemetery in Minden. The family will receive friends from 5 until 7 p.m. today at Rose-Neath. To sign the electronic guestbook for Sidney please visit http://www.rose-neath.com/index.php/act_obituary_details/obituaryId_4267?PHPSESSID=5afcb5a9247c64f106e2f1b40e7c184e.

Alpha Sigma Alpha was founded at Longwood University in Farmville, VA, in 1901. Nationally, Alpha Sigma Alpha has 153 collegiate and alumnae chapters. More than 70,000 members are committed to promoting sisterhood, heritage and leadership.

CONTACT:
Erika Butts
Communications & Marketing Coordinator
Alpha Sigma Alpha
(317) 871-2920
ebutts@alphasigmaalpha.org