Christine Whiteside

Christine Thomas Whiteside (nee Jacobs) was born on August 28, 1934, to the union of Andrew Jacob and Albirdia McNeeley in Drew County, Arkansas. She was baptized by Rev. JT and Ophelia McNeeley whom reared her from the age of six to adulthood. After graduating from Drew County High School in 1952, she moved to Chicago, Illinois to live with her aunt, Shirley McNealey. In 1953, she made Milwaukee, WI her home, where she married her first husband, Olum D. Witt Thomas. To that union, three children were born: Barbara, Denise, and Gregory (1958-1999). Christine was united in holy matrimony with Robert Whiteside on September 11, 1967. This united six children between the two, and they spent 53 loving years together.

Christine was employed as a dietician at Milwaukee County Hospital for 40 years, The Milwaukee Journal Sentinel, Milwaukee Public Schools, and Carson Prairie Scott until her illness prevented her from working.

She joined Brown Deer United Methodist Church in October 2010 and served as Secretary of Program Resources in 2013. In 2014, she served with Metro North United Methodist Women (now known as Southeast District UWM). She also served as a member of Committee on Nominations from 2008-2013, and as a representative to Northcott Neighborhood House’s Corporation in 2013, 2014, and 2015.

Christine loved traveling, bowling, golf, the Milwaukee Braves, the Milwaukee Bucks (season ticket holder for many years), was a true Packer fan, and the best dressed around; she had a hat for every occasion. She was always about the next person, including giving gifts and such. She loved the arts and really supported her great-granddaughter, Sydney, who was a dancer with Ton Kho Thi, and all her performances at school and throughout the community. Christsine was a vital part of keeping the McNealey “Our Family Reunion” ongoing for over 40 years.

Christine Thomas Whiteside entered eternal life on June 23, 2025. She leaves to cherish her memory: daughters, Barbara Jean and Yvonne Denise; child she raised as her own, Darnell Thomas; stepchildren, Margaret Regina and Robert A. Whiteside of Milwaukee, WI; brother, Andrew Jacob of Bakersfield, CA; 15 grandchildren, 30 great-grandchildren, eight great-great grandchildren, and a host of nieces, nephews, cousins, and friends.

Visitation will be held at Krause Funeral Home, 9000 West Capitol Drive, Milwaukee, Wisconsin, on Monday, July 7, 2025, 11:00 AM – 12:00 PM. Funeral Service at 12:00 PM.

To send flowers to the family or place a tree in memory of Christine Whiteside, please visit our Tribute Store.