Geraldine Hundley Sims affectionately known as Gerri or simply "Big G" to others, passed quietly in her sleep. She was big in statue, style and heart. A dedicated wife, mother, deaconess and friend, Geraldine was a nurse by profession, and nurturing by nature. At 90, she was the youngest of her siblings. Early Years She was born a coal miner's daughter on March 30, 1929, in Coopers, West Virginia, a mining town near Bluefield, WV. She was the only child from the union of Rucker Hundley and Lula Thompson Hundley, however, they formed a blended family that included six other children. She attended public schools in Coopers, WV and participated in numerous activities including sports. Nicknamed "Slim," she used her 5'11 frame to excel at basketball. In the summers, Geraldine frequently visited her grandparents, the Thompson's, in Columbus, Ohio. In 1946, she graduated from Bluestone High School in Bramwell, WV with the ambition of becoming a nurse. After high school, she moved to Columbus and attended nursing school at St. Anthony's Hospital earning the credential of Licensed Practical Nurse (LPN). Other family members would eventually migrate to Columbus, including sisters Lucille Brown, cousin Mary Brown, and nephew David Vernon. Marriage and Family Geraldine was united in marriage to Charles W. Sims, a brick mason and independent contractor. They worked, played and prayed together. She worked as the office manager of Sims Construction and managed the household. She enjoyed traveling, bowling, community service and morning walks in Franklin Park. Geraldine loved her children and actively supported their participation in music, sports, theater and Sunday School. She was a member of and held many offices within the Parent Teacher's Association (PTA) at Pilgrim Elementary, Champion Junior High, and East High School. When the grandchildren arrived, the "Big G" moniker took on an additional meaning, "Gram". Her new role as "Gram" gave her a new lease on life. With an open door and open arms, Geraldine and Charles welcomed all. Whether it was the Friday Night Fish Fry or Sunday Dinners, their home and table was always filled with good food. While she birthed four children, she was mother to many, and most never missed an opportunity to fellowship at the home. Service Geraldine was of service to both her neighborhood and church communities. She was a faithful member of The New Salem Missionary Baptist Church for over 70 years where she served in several capacities, including the Deaconess Board, Nurses Corp., Usher Board and Seasoned Citizens Ministry. She was a member of the Sims/Cleveland Sunday School class, served with the food pantry, and a member of the Missionary Society. She remained active until her health began to decline. Recognizing the importance of civic responsibility, she served as an election poll worker for over 40 years. She was also a dedicated member of the Order of the Eastern Star Electra Chapter #7 in Columbus, Ohio. Life and Legacy Geraldine Hundley Sims was full of life and lived a full life. Faith and family were her priorities and she encouraged her children to stay strong in the Lord. She was a beautiful person whose infectious smile and healing spirit touched the lives of all who knew her. Geraldine is preceded in death by her husband, Charles "Doc" Sims; sisters, Thelma Goods, Marion Vernon, Lucille Brown, and Nellie Thompson; and brothers, Gilbert Hundley and David Hundley. She leaves to cherish her memory sons, Joseph (Jo Ann Robinson) Sims of San Antonio, TX, and Charles R. (Cheryl) Sims of Columbus, Ohio; daughters, Jackie Sims Marbrey of Columbus, Ohio, Crystal Sims-Carrera of Columbus, Ohio, and Carla (Frederic) Sims-Yonnet of Washington, DC; grandchildren, Ronald Marbrey of Orlando, Florida, Kanika Steward, Monique Sims, and Charles Renoir Sims of Columbus, Ohio, Ariel Sims of Cleveland, Ohio, Camila (Chaz) Carrera-Jordan of Columbus, Ohio, and Victor Reid of Springfield, MA; great-grandchildren, Kamryn Marbrey, Christopher, Kendall and Kennedy Steward, and Laila Jordan of Columbus Ohio, Brycen Marbrey of Orlando, FL, and Elijah Joseph and Ymani Reid of Springfield, MA; and a host of relatives and spiritually adopted families and friends, including the Dorsey, Redding and Jones families.
Monday, June 17, 2019
9:30 - 10:30 am (Eastern time)
New Salem Missionary Baptist Church
Monday, June 17, 2019
11:00am - 12:00 pm (Eastern time)
New Salem Baptist Church
Monday, June 17, 2019
12:00 - 1:00 pm (Eastern time)
New Salem Baptist Church
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