Sharon K. Sims' Obituary
Decatur – Sharon Kaye Sims took her first steps into heaven in the early morning hours of Wednesday, January 4, 2023. She was 78 years old and loved far more than she ever imagined.
She was born on October 7, 1944, to Delbert and Kathryn Snyder one of 12 children. She married the love of her life, George Alvin Sims, Jr. on August 23, 1969, and together, they raised five amazing daughters.
Sharon was a life-long learner and dedicated to education. She demonstrated this by graduating Lakeview High School two years early, and later enrolling in Richland Community College after raising her children. She was rightfully proud when she graduated with her associates degree.
Sharon met Jesus in her early twenties and from that moment on, everything changed. She was deeply committed to her faith and used her love of children to serve Him at every opportunity. She ministered as the Christian Education Director at Bethel Bible Church (Resurrection Life) for over 20 years and in a wide range of roles even after that. Her natural gift for administration often landed her in key support roles for the many ministers she worked with, and she was currently serving at New Beginnings Church of God.
When she was widowed at a young age and left with five girls, she used her faith to navigate the rough waters she would surely face. She was determined to raise her daughters to love Jesus and always reminded them that “her greatest Joy was to know that her children walk in truth” 3 John 1:4. She instilled in them a strong love of family and introduced them to Jesus not only by taking them to church but by living a life dedicated to Him. Beyond her own 5 children, many considered her their “second mom”. The number of lives she touched is innumerable.
Serving in children’s church was one of her greatest joys. She loved instilling the word of God into young lives. She brought Bible stories to life—building the tabernacle out of sugar cubes every year was a mainstay. She loved leading the children’s choir, and her desire was to make sure those kids had a strong foundation. She was fondly known as “Sister Sharon”.
Mom had a quick wit and loved to get together with family and friends. From Sunday dinners to scrappy card games, she taught her kids that after God, family was most important, and hospitality mattered. Dinner was always around the table, and no one took a bite until someone blessed it. If you know her girls, you know that gift lives on in them.
Sharon will be greatly missed, but also greatly celebrated. Not only by her children, but especially by each of her grandchildren and great-grandchildren that loved her so deeply. Each of them will carry her legacy into the future.
Sharon is survived by her daughters, Tina Cline, husband Neal; Lisa Sims; Melody Glitz, husband Wally; Sharon Stockton, husband Dale; and Karen Carlson, husband Chuck. She is also survived by her 11 grandchildren: Chris, Josiah, Jordan, Sam, Kelly, Brittany, Bethany, Lauren, Shelby, Mackenzie, and MiKayla. She has 5 great grandchildren who will grow up hearing stories of how deeply they were loved by her. Sharon is also survived by her siblings: Dorma Whitacre, husband Raymond; Sterling Snyder, wife Linda; and Robert Snyder, wife Delores.
During their marriage, George and Sharon would start their morning with prayer and coffee. When he passed, she never had another cup. She called him her “coffee buddy” and said coffee never tasted the same. The next time you enjoy a cup, think of Sister Sharon, and smile along with her family. She enjoyed her first cup January 4, 2023.
Visitation will be Sunday, January 8, 2023, from 1 pm until the service time of 2 pm, at Resurrection Life Church. Burial will follow in Graceland Cemetery. Memorials may be made to Resurrection Life Kids Kamp.
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