Sidella Hughes, 77, passed away Sunday, March 10th 2024. She was born May 2nd 1946 in Chicago, Illinois to Henry L. Jackson Jr. and Neola (Forman) Jackson. Sidella graduated from Parker High School in Chicago, IL and later received her Bachelors degree in social work and a Masters degree in education from Governors State and Northern Illinois University respectively. After relocating to Rockford, IL, Sidella married Nathan Hughes.

Sidella was a long time activist, who believed in making her community a better place than she found it.

She began her activism in her early twenties becoming a member of the Black Panther Party. Sidella fought vigorously for equality for years. An accomplishment that was near and dear to her heart was leading the charge in getting her Junior College to be renamed to Malcolm X College in Chicago.

After leaving Chicago and the Black Panther Party, Sidella became an advocate for the youth and families in the Rockford area by working and volunteering for various organizations. She helped start a women's shelter and served as a board member for Concerned Citizens For Self Improvement, who implemented the longest running and most consistent food pantry on the westside of Rockford. It is no secret that Sidella was passionate about helping youth and families. She soon became a social worker at Illinois Department of Children and Family Services (DCFS) and was employed for over thirty years.

Later she began taking on various leadership roles such as President, Treasurer and a committee member at the Booker Washington Center and Camaraderie Arts. Sidella was the inspiration to the Park District expanding its summertime reach to all organizations who serve youth. Thousands and thousands of youth have been introduced to the fun options at their Park District thanks to her advocacy.

Throughout all her years of activism and advocation the foundation she inspired many and changed Rockford in many ways one could never imagine. Sidella helped youth find their voice and would also often provide a safe place for them within her home.

Sidella is predeceased in death by her husband, parents, two sisters Diane and Wilma Jackson and three brothers Henry, Bernard and Jarrett Jackson. Sidella is survived by her 4 children Erickia (Sean) Harkins, Harold (Tiffany) Kent, A'love Kent and Johnathan Hughes, as well as her thirteen grandchildren Darrell, IKesha(Rudy), Re'nold, Mone't, Darius, Hamon'e, Jessika, Malikai, Kaleb, Kyng, Morgan, Jonathan Jr., and Summer; and two great grandchild Chase and Janiya. Two brothers Sidney (Melody) Jackson and El-Malik Kedar(Margie) Bey. Five sisters Janice Watson, Lillian Jackson, Etta Mae Williams, Miranda (Danny) Higgs and April Jackson.

Sidella also had many other special children Arron Kirkwood, Robert Tate, TaLois Morse, Dennis & Deanna Gordon, Quentin Thomas, Jean & Camille, the Bakers and many more that had a special place in her heart.

Sidellas children would like to say a big thank you to Sanctuary Hospice and all of her caregivers, especially Shawna McCoy, who stepped in and cared for Sidella when she needed you the most Jackie Collins, Eddie Harrell and Lucinda Watkins thank you for caring for our mother selflessly and ensuring she was always comfortable and loved. Constance Sturdivant your unwavering friendship has been heartfelt and appreciated even until her last days. Sidella loved her church, Christian Union, and the family appreciate all of your prayers, support and love shown down through the years.

Sidella will be remembered among many for her beautiful virtues and a fiery spirit that served to strengthen all around her.

Services will be held 11:00 a.m. Friday, March 22, 2024 at Christian Union Full Gospel Church Ministries 1705 Kilburn Ave. Burial in Sunset Memorial Gardens. Visitation will be held 9:00 a.m. until the time of service. Arrangements completed by Carl E. Ponds Funeral Home Inc.