Mary Helen Sims, 1924-2023

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Mary Helen Sims passed on Friday, September 22, 2023, in Hazlehurst, MS. She was proceeded in death by her husband, T.L. Sims, her daughter, Linda Bess Sims (Markos), son-in-law, Demos Markos and son, Andy Sims. She is survived by her daughter-in-law, Brenda Sims and seven grandchildren, Demos Markos Jr., Melina Markos, Thad Markos, Daniel Sims, Joel Sims, Paul Sims and Andrea Sims. She is also survived by fourteen great-grandchildren and five great-great-grandchildren.

Mary Helen was born to Robert L. Sanders and Bessie Vashti Sanders and raised in Gallman, MS. She was brought up in a loving and happy home. She attended Copiah-Lincoln Junior College and Mississippi College to acquire her bachelor’s degree. After graduation, she taught in Ellisville, MS and soon met her future husband, Thaddeus Lincoln Sims. They were wed on November 18, 1945. Moving to Vicksburg in January 1950, they became members of First Baptist Church of Vicksburg. She taught Sunday school and played the piano for opening assembly faithfully for 60+ years. She shared her love of art teaching at Warren Central High. This love also inspired her to travel to Europe 8 times throughout her life. She enjoyed her time spent with the Vicksburg Art Association. Her work with the Vicksburg Warren County Historical Society, preserving the Old Court House Museum with the support of her dear friend Gordon Cotton, was one of her most satisfying accomplishments. Mary Helen Sims lived a full and adventurous life, but she found no greater joy than being a mother to her two children, Linda Bess and Andy.

Mary Helen will be greatly missed by all who knew her, but we find comfort in knowing that she is resting in the arms of her Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ.
Visitation will be held at Fisher-Riles Funeral Home, 5000 Indiana Avenue in Vicksburg, MS, on Wednesday September 27, 2023, at 2 p.m. with a Celebration of Life at 3 p.m., followed by burial service at Gallman Cemetery in Gallman, MS.

In lieu of flowers, the family requests that any donations be made to the Baptist Children’s Village if your heart so leads.