Submitted by: Dan Rich

 

Queen Esther Sims

Dec. 14, 1921 - Dec. 5, 2007

 

South Bend Tribune 12/14/2007
SOUTH BEND - Mrs. Queen Esther Sims, 85, departed this life on Saturday, Dec. 5, while in the Valley View Nursing Facility. She was born in Columbus, Mississippi, to Josh Staples and Irene Perry. Queen accepted Christ at an early age.

 

In February 1947 Queen united in holy matrimony with James A. Sims in South Bend. James and Queen established their membership with the Greater Saint John Missionary Baptist Church in 1947 under the pastorate of the late Rev. Doctor Bernard L. White Sr. They both served there faithfully until their health failed. Queen served as a deaconess, member of the Gospel Chorus, she was the founder of the Echoes of Glory, and was a member of the South Bend Choral Union. She also liked to perform in concert, with selections of Negro Spirituals being her specialty. Queen loved her church and church family. Among her many activities, Queen loved to cook, sew, refurbish furniture, upholstery and shop for antiques.

 

Queen was preceded in death by her parents; husband, James A. Sims; a brother, Sam Perry; and by a sister, Annette Wilson. She leaves to cherish her memory an aunt, Mendora Trotter of South Bend; Milton H. (Linda) Malone whom she reared, Michigan City; a stepson, Gilbert (Ann) Marsh of South Bend; a sister-in-law, Carrie Malone of South Bend; a host of grandchildren and great-grandchildren; cousins, nieces, nephews and friends; and a very special friend, Mrs. Adline Jones of South Bend.

 

Funeral services for Mrs. Queen Esther Sims will be held at 11 a.m. on Saturday, Dec. 15, in the Greater St. John Missionary Baptist Church, with burial following at Riverview Cemetery. Friends may call from 10 a.m. to 11 a.m. in the church. Arrangements have been entrusted to Alford's Mortuary.