Elsie Carnelia Sims

Chicago, IL- Elsie Carnelia Williamson Sims transitioned from this life on to glory on April 6, 2015 at St. Joseph Hospital in Chicago after a long illness. Her life was a testament to her great faith and reliance on God no matter what circumstances she faced and a model for allowing the joy of our Lord to be our strength. Elsie was born April 28, 1942 to John Henry Williamson, Jr. and Helen Anna Williamson (nee Hairston) in McComas, WV. She accepted Christ at an early age and was a member of Mt. Olive Missionary Baptist Church in Bluefield, where she served on the usher board, the Ministry of Finance, and was a Trustee, serving faithfully in each role. Committed to service, she was also appointed by Governor Gaston Caprteron to the West Virginia Commission on Aging. When she relocated to Chicago in 2010, she joined the Second Baptist Church in Evanston, IL. Elsie received her education in public schools, graduating from Park Central High School and continuing her post-secondary education at Bluefield State College. She worked for GTE, first as an operator and, then as a customer service specialist. After retiring from GTE, her second career was as a bank teller at First Community Bank. Her warmth, caring, and infectious smile were beloved by her customers and co-workers alike. Her kindhearted and giving spirit was shared with all, but especially with the loves of her life: Herb, Jay, Steve, L’Tanya, and all her family and friends. She was preceded in death by her parents, John and Helen Williamson; her husband, Herbert M. Sims, her son, John David (Jay) Sims, and brother, Farris Hale. She leaves to mourn her loss, her son, Dr. H. Steven Sims (Kesha), and daughter L’Tanya Yevette Sims; two brothers, John Williamson (Gloria) and Gregory Williamson (Eileen). Additional survivors are her sisters-in-law Mary Lee Hamlet, Gladys Pippens, Bessie Rose Dorsey (Ben), Doris Ross, Betty Ware (Albert); brothers-in-law Bishop. Eric Sims (Rose), David Sims, Jr. (Clariol); and sisters-in-love Deloris French, Donna Kelly, Lisa Taxley Brooks, Linda Thomas, Katherine “Cat” Kearns as well as host of nieces, nephews, cousins and friends. The family will receive friends at Mercer Funeral Home on Monday April 13, 2015 from 6:00 until 8:00 p.m. and at Westminster Presbyterian Church on Tuesday April 14, 2015 from 1:00 until 2:00 p.m. Funeral services will be conducted on Tuesday April 14, 2015 at 2:00 p.m. from Westminster Presbyterian Church with Rev. Eric Sims and Rev. Adrian Dowell officiating. Burial will follow at Roselawn Memorial Gardens in Princeton. Donations can be made to the “Jay Sims Scholarship Fund” payable to Bluefield High School, 535 W. Cumberland Road, Bluefield, WV 24701. Those wishing to share memories or condolence messages with the family may do so by visiting www.MercerFuneralHome.com Mercer Funeral Home & Crematory is serving the family of Mrs. Elsie Carnelia Williams Sims.

Elsie Carnelia Sims

April 28, 1942 - April 6, 2015