Evelyn (Jones) Sims ascended to her final home on Monday, May 6 at 9:40 a.m. She was resting peacefully in her bedroom. During her final days her children and granddaughters’ Lykicha and Charlotte, maintained a vigil both day and night. She would occasionally call one of us by name, but she talked with Jesus consistently.
Hospice nurses were present daily and they provided Evelyn and family excellent support as she transitioned to her heavenly mansion and streets of gold. Evelyn was born on June 22, 1927 in Sakiston, Missouri to the late Reverend Franklyn and Melinda Jones. Being the daughter of a pastor pre-determined that Christ was in her DNA.
She was the youngest daughter of five girls and next to the youngest of four brothers. Each of them preceded her in death. Evelyn met and married David Sims Sr. in Cleveland, Ohio in 1949.
He had recently been honorably discharged from the U.S. army as a veteran of the Korean war. David had gone to Ohio to live with his only family, his late sister, Ella Mae. It had to be destiny that united them because Evelyn had also recently moved to Ohio to live with her sister.
They were married for 59 years before David departed this world – leaving Evelyn as the matriarch of the entire clan for almost two decades. Those prepared to lead the family include Rosalind (Sony) Goodman of Indianapolis, Ora (Jesse) Williams, David (Winnie) Sims, Jesse Sims, Mae Sims, Willie Sims, all in Elkhart, and Michael Sims in Wabash, IN. Floyd Wagner, the eldest son, died last July.
Evelyn has left a legacy of determination. She was one of the toughest individuals on planet earth. The doctors had predicted her passing several times over the years – but each time she fought her way back.
She was known for her generous nature and as a great cook – she was famous for her butter rolls dessert. Many times over the years she provided lodging for others in need. She fed just about every kid in the neighborhood who managed to visit fairly regularly during supper time.
Being in the kitchen was second nature to Evelyn so it made sense for her to be the president of the kitchen committee at Pilgrim Rest for many years. She also ushered, sang in the choir and served on the Missionary Board. Evelyn was also a member of the Helping Hands Club, a group of women in the community that helped families dealing with hardships.
On May 4, 1997 she was presented an award for her many years of service at her beloved Pilgrim Rest where she attended for 50 years. She changed her membership to New Vision Ministry in recent years following her daughter. It was one of the hardest decisions she ever made, but she soon fell in love with her church family, realizing that she was simply adding an additional church home.
Evelyn’s legacy will live on thru her children, 29 grandchildren, 42 great grandchildren and many, many great-great grandchildren. She didn’t go home until God said, it’s okay they got this.
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