Elaine H. Sims

Special Tributes…

I stand here today with a broken heart to say goodbye to the love of my life, my soulmate wife.

Together, we made memories that will last forever; we laughed every day and shared the most beautiful moments. Her kindness, strength, and humility touched our family and everyone who knew her. Her contagious smile would light up any room she was in and make even the worst day seem a bit brighter. I can remember sitting on the front porch, as we often did. Feeling the breeze and sunshine on most days was all we needed. I am beyond grateful she was by my side through the thick and thin-our incredible journey. I won’t ever forget the love in her eyes, the pain in her eyes, but together, we were able to make it another day-with God; there’s nothing impossible. Although she may be gone from this world, her legacy, creativity, and kind soul live through the people she touched. I (We) carry her memory with me, and it comforts me to know that so much of her is alive in friends and family.

Goodbye, My Love, Your Husband

My Little Girl Yesterday, My Friend Today, My Daughter Forever…

Again, a link in our family chain has been broken and cannot be replaced. But somehow, someway, we will grow stronger. You were strength to the whole family. Even through your illness, you gave of yourself with Compassion, Joy, Love, and Respect. You were always cheerful and smiling. Never too proud to say I’m sorry and I love you and seal it with a kiss. You had the beauty of a rose inward and outward that gave off a fragrance for all to enjoy. You were so strong, yet so gentle… I could feel the love you gave me with the glow of your eyes, the touch of your hand, and a voice as calm as a breeze on a hot day. So many times, we sang and prayed together. You were a ray of sunshine on a rainy day. Thank God for the time you were with us. Your beautiful smile and memories will be with me forever. Sleep on, My Daling Daughter; take your rest; I will carry you forever in my breast.

My Little Girl Yesterday, My Friend Today, My Daughter Forever.

Love, Your Mom

~ Acknowledgements ~

The family of the beloved Elaine H. Sims acknowledges with grateful appreciation the love and support shown during our time of bereavement. For all the phone calls, visits, words of encouragement, love offerings, and other deeds of kindness during this time, we thank you. We ask that you continue to keep our family lifted in prayer in the days and weeks ahead. The

~

Honors & Committal Rites

To Mom…

You would always greet me with a smile, hug, and kiss me; that was your style. But now the hugs and kisses have gone away. I’m going to miss you every single day. I am trying to be strong, and I am looking forward to seeing you when I get home. I really cannot express the way I feel because my heart overflows with tears. Your pain is gone; God does no wrong, so rest, Mom, around the Heavenly Throne.

I Love You, Renardo

Life’s Reflections

Elaine Sims was born on April 4, 1957, to the late Moses Howard and Addie B. Howard. She was united in Holy Matrimony to Willie James Sims on April 4, 1992.

Elaine confessed her belief in Christ at a very early age. She was baptized under the leadership of the late Andrew Tabor at Greater Adelaide Missionary Baptist Church. She remained a faithful, dedicated, and active member until her health no longer permitted.

Elaine attended Longview Junior High School, where she was a member of the Student Council and Honor Society. She graduated with Honors from Southside High School in 1975. She pursued higher education at Lemoyne-Owen College, where she received an associate degree in education.

Elaine obtained early employment at Lebonheur Children’s Hospital. Her love for children led her to a career with Memphis City Schools in Early Childhood Development, from which she retired. She was also gainfully employed as a Team Leader for the Federal Express Corporation. Her greatest passion was decorating and event planning, which she continued until her demise. Elaine was a very humble, loving, kind, and dedicated wife, mother, grandmother, daughter, sister, aunt, and friend. She was preceded in death by her father, Moses Howard, her son, Anteco Howard, her twin sister, Jane Howard, her baby sister, Cassandra McNeil, and her stepdaughter, Nichole Sims.

She leaves to cherish her memory her husband, Willie Sims; her son, Jewel Renardo Johnson; her mother, Addie B. Howard; two brothers, Ray (Rhonda) Howard and Eric Howard, three brothers-in-law James Sims, George (Peggy) Sims, Charles Sims, three sisters-in-law Amelia Hall, Betty (Osborne) White, Dorothy Sims, two stepdaughters Tamara (Decory) Hampton and Melanie Sims. 11 grandchildren, 11 great-grandchildren and a host of nieces, nephews, other relatives, and friends.

Order of Celebration

Saturday, September 30, 2023 • 11:00 A.M. St. Matthew United Methodist Church

1362 Prescott Road • Memphis, Tennessee 38111

Pastor Godfrey Howard, Officiating

Processional

Scripture Reading

Old & New Testament.....................................Pastor James Anderson

Prayer........................................................................Pastor James Anderson

Expressions of Love

(Respectfully, Three Minutes Please)

Erika Williams - Work Family

Carolyn Nunnally - Friend

Marilyn Jennings - Friend

Family: Erika Williams

Sheena Sims - Sims Family

Ray Howard - Howard Family

Memphis-Shelby County Schools

Musical Selection.....................................................................Phillina Lewis

Tribute & Words of Love...Grandchildren, Nieces & Nephews of Elaine Sims

Musical Selection.....................................................................Phillina Lewis

Acknowledgements...................................................................Erika Howard

Eulogy......................................................................Pastor Godfrey Howard

Recessional

“Come to me, all you who labor and are heavy laden, and I will give you rest. Take my yoke upon and learn from me, for I am gentle and humble in heart, and you will find rest for your soul for my yoke is easy and burden is light.”

Matthew 11:28-3