Mary Sidelle Crooks Derrick of Newberry died Saturday January 10 2009. Born February 1 1937 in Newberry S. C. she was the daughter of the late Thomas Hugh Crooks and Jenette Harmon Crooks. She graduated from Newberry High School in 1955 and attended Newberry College.Before returning to Newberry in 1974 from Marietta Georgia she resided in Columbia South Carolina.; Beaufort South Carolina; High Point North Carolina; Augusta Georgia and Greensboro North Carolina. Upon her return to Newberry she began her career as a Christian Educator at Central United Methodist Church. She held that position until her retirement in 2002. During her tenure she encouraged and enabled the dedicated energetic membership of Central to explore new pathways to mission and ministry opportunities. The church family continues to be blessed by participation in many of the programs developed under Sidelle's leadership. In addition to local church responsibilities Sidelle served on denominational boards and agencies including Camps and Retreats Ministries the Greenwood District Council on Ministries and the Committee on Ordained Ministry. The Newberry Area Council on Ministries was strengthened by her presence as member and secretary for numerous years. She was a member and past president of the South Carolina Christian Educators Fellowship. Southeastern Jurisdictional involvement included membership on the Good Word Resource Center's board.Sidelle continued to serve and be involved at Central after retirement as a member of the Administrative Board Finance Committee usher chairperson for funerals secretary and past president of the United Methodist Women's Circle 8 member of the Wednesday morning Bible study group and a charter member of the Fellowship Sunday School Class. In September of 2008 Central awarded Sidelle the United Methodist Women's Mission Recognition Award for her support of global ministries of the church.She was a ready volunteer for many organizations over the years and took pride in the Newberry community. In addition to her dedication to her church community friends and family Sidelle enjoyed playing bridge and shanghai traveling with her family and friends sports events and gardening.Surviving family members include her son Lawton Lee Derrick and his wife Kimberly (Kim) Ann Bachman of Greensboro N. C.; her daughter Janet Stallings Derrick Sykora and her husband Andrew (Andy) Keith Sykora of Greenwood; four cherished grandchildren: Andrew (Drew) Keith Jr. and Derrick Lawton Sykora Mary Harmon and John Bachman Derrick; sister Jane Britt of Jacksonville Florida; brother Thomas James (Jimmy) Crooks and wife Virginia of Lexington; five nieces and nephews and a host of grand nieces and nephews cousins and friends.Those who knew her lovingly called her mother grandmother mother-in-law sister aunt cousin bridge buddy travel companion church leader and friend. In lieu of flowers memorials may be made to Central United Methodist Church P. O. Box 67 Newberry S. C. 29108 Hospice House 408 W. Alexander Avenue Greenwood S.C. 29646 or a charity of one's choice. A Worship Service of Remembrance was held at Central United Methodist Church on Friday January 16 2009 at 4:00 P.M. conducted by the Rev. Karen Radcliffe. The family did receive friends following the service in Central's Henry Hall.Messages to the family may be sent via email to notes@whitakerfuneralhome.com Whitaker Funeral Home Newberry is assisting the family.