Helen Sims

Obituary For Helen Sims

Obituary

Helen Gray Sims, mother to Gail Sims Robinson, passed away on Thursday, October 19, 2023 at 11:07AM. She was the fifth child, “the baby: of Joseph C. Smith and Blanch D. Smith born of September 11, 1929, in Mecklenburg County, Virginia.

She spent her childhood here on this land, The Smith Family Farm where she grew up with her sisters, Ruth Esther and Elmer Marie and brothers, Clarence Edward and James Clifford. Farm life molded her and shaped her love of family gatherings, gardening and animals.

As the younger child, Helen spent measurable time with her maternal grandmother, Viola Smith Barnes. She was a member of Cedar Grove Baptist Church #1. She attended Thyne Institute in Chase City, Virginia. Helen moved to Deal, New Jersey where she worked as a nanny and later met Robert H. Sims, a US Army serviceman. They married in Summit, New Jersey. They later moved to East Orange, New Jersey where they began their family. There Helen worked for RCA, General Electric and General Motors. Eventually she returned to Virginia where she continued her employment with General Motors and lived in her dream home in Spotsylvania. When her only grandchild Christian was born, Helen returned to New Jersey to help raise him. Active as ever, she then moved to West Palm Beach, Florida where she became a snowbird and spent the winter months.

Her independent spirit, passion and drive motived her to work hard and enjoy life. She took on any yard work challenge and was known to hop on a riding mower or pick up a shovel at any time. She kept busy and made sure you were too. Her home resounded with the classic sounds of Sarah Vaughn, Nancy Wilson, Sam Cooke, Johnny Mathis and of course Luther.

Her signature style was a white shirt and jeans.

Her later years and final months were spent peacefully and comfortably at home in Randolph, New Jersey, where she was loved and cared for by her daughter, Gail, grandson, Christian and her caregivers.

The memories we have will always be with us and live through us. She embraced life and overcame many obstacles while living her life.

Surviving are daughter, Gail Sims Robinson; grandson, Christian D. Robinson; “wasband”, Robert H. Sims; nieces, Linda G. Jones, Debbie Henderson, Joanne Frazier, Peggie Meyers; nephews, Larry Smith and William Elliott Henderson and a host of great nieces, nephews, cousins, other relatives and friends.

Graveside service for Mrs. Helen Gray Sims will be held on Saturday, November 4, 2023 at 12:00 Noon at the Smith Family Cemetery.

Carter’s Funeral Home, in charge of the arrangements.