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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