Jimmie Lou Sims

Jimmie Lou LeVan Sims, 85, of Chattanooga, Tenn., passed away at home on March 18, 2018, surrounded by her family. Jimmie was a loving wife, mother, and Nanny to her family. Jimmie was born on Nov. 21, 1932, to the late James and Mary Westbrook LeVan of Hixson. She graduated from Hixson High School in 1951 where she excelled in public speaking and cheerleading. Jimmie married Wayne on Sept. 11, 1951, before moving to Austin, Texas. Upon their return to the Chattanooga area, Wayne and Jimmie made their home in East Brainerd. A lifelong Christian, Jimmie was a faithful and active member in her church where she served many leadership roles. A firm believer in the power of missions, Jimmie supported the work of local and international mission organizations. In addition to her parents, Jimmie was preceded in death by sisters, Clarice LeVan Hartman and Dorothy LeVan Connor. Survivors include her husband of 66 years, Wayne Sims; daughters, Gretta (Steve) Emery and Stefanie (Bud) Henry; granddaughters, Keri Stophel and Shelby White; brother, Mike (Janie) LeVan; sister, Anna (Harold) Knowles, and many much-loved nieces and nephews. A celebration of life service will be held in the chapel of Heritage Funeral Home on March 22, 2018, at 11 a.m. with Dr. Richard Mason, Rev. Mike Lofton, and Tony McClanahan officiating. In lieu of flowers, the family asks memorial contributions be made to Samaritan’s Purse Ministries, PO Box 3000, Boone, NC 28607-3000; on-line https://www.samaritanspurse.org/our-ministry/memorial- giving/. Visit www.heritagechattanooga.com to view the memorial tribute and share condolences. The family will receive friends on Wednesday from 2 to 8 p.m. and Thursday 10 to 11 a.m. at Heritage Funeral Home, 7454 E. Brainerd Rd.