Cecelia Verna Sims

Cecelia V. Sims of Columbus, OH transitioned from her earthly life on March 31, 2021 at the age of 72. Cecelia and her husband Gary shared 53 years together raising their family and creating lasting friendships in Columbus. The eldest child of Ida L (née Gaskins) and Leroy Sutton, Cecelia was born in Springfield, OH on April 9, 1948. She was a high school cheerleader and track athlete. Lauded for her intellect and bright personality, Cecelia attended Ohio University at age 17. Her church home in Springfield was St. John Missionary Baptist Church, where she was an active young member. Cecelia married her childhood sweetheart, Gary Sims, in 1967. The couple moved to Columbus, where they grew to be a family of four with the births of their son and daughter, G. Christopher "Chris" and Dana. She retired from AT&T (formerly Ohio Bell) and later worked as a human resources manager for National Church Residences (formerly Heritage Day Health Centers). Cecelia was a faithful member of Faith Ministries Church in Columbus, having ushered and committed her exceptional interpersonal skills to serving in the food distribution outreach ministry. Cecelia was tirelessly devoted and unconditional in her dedication to her many roles-child of God, wife, daughter, mother, Nana, and friend. Those fortunate enough to know her felt unwavering compassion and sincerity. She was preceded in death by her husband Gary, sister Tracee Sutton, brother Leroy Sutton, Jr., and father Leroy Sutton. Left to cherish her memory, Cecelia is survived by her mother Ida Sutton; two children, son Chris (Dawn) Sims and daughter Dana (Mark Wilder) Sims; six grandchildren Taylor Sims, Sean (Tiffany) Worley, Darion Sims, Markess Wilder, Mara Sims, and Shantel Wilder; one great-granddaughter Ava Lee Wilder; sisters-in-law Gail (William) Gaskins of Atlanta and Barbara Sims of Springfield; several cousins; and many close family friends.