Bennie Mae Sims

Mrs. Bennie Mae Sims went home to be with her Lord on June 6, 2019 at the age of 93. She was a remarkable woman who lived a full and happy life and who will be dearly missed by her friends.

Bennie Mae was born on May 30, 1926 to Garland and Mamie Free in the old St. Mary’s Hospital on Milledge Avenue in Athens, Georgia. She grew up in Madison County where she lived for most of her life. She met her husband, Frank Sims, on a blind date in 1955 and the two were married for 60 years in 2015, the year Frank died.

Bennie Mae was an excellent businesswoman. She began selling Stanley home products and worked for that company for almost 50 years. She was so successful that she eventually became a district director and was recognized by the company in 1985 for her outstanding sales achievements. She remained quite the salesperson well into her 90s – selling such things as Stanley pot scrubbers and other items which she knew to be useful to her friends.

Bennie Mae was an excellent caregiver for her aging parents, who during their later years lived with her and her husband. In 2013, when her husband Frank developed dementia, the couple moved to Avery Place, a long-term care facility in Winterville, Georgia. Bennie Mae was a devoted wife and caregiver to him. After his death in 2015, she continued to live at Avery Place which had become home to her. Her quick mind and powers of observation made her a favorite with other residents and visitors to the facility. She wished to remain in this beloved community until her death, and happily she was able to do that.

Bennie Mae was a woman of strong faith. She was a longtime member of Prince Avenue Baptist Church where her husband served as an usher and she taught Sunday school. Pastor Bill Ricketts was a favorite of hers – and she loved to recall a trip he led to the Holy Land that she and her husband went on. She often said the Bible came to life for her when she visited the many sacred places. Bennie Mae was always present on Sundays for a service at Avery Place. During the last few weeks of her life she often said: “I am ready to go.” Her deep faith enabled her to face death with peace and equanimity. May she rest in peace.

Funeral services will be Monday, June 10, 2019 at 11:00 am at Lord and Stephens, East. Interment will follow at Athens Memory Gardens. The family will receive friends prior to the service from 10:00 until 11:00 am.

In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to Prince Avenue Baptist Church, 3691 Monroe Highway, Bogart, GA 30622.

Lord and Stephens, East, Athens, GA is in charge of arrangements.

www.lordandstephens.com