JoAnn Ryan Sims

JoAnn Ryan Sims died at her home after a very long struggle with a progressive neurological disorder. Her determination and grace during this period were an inspiration to those who cared about her. She was born in Jackson, Mississippi. She graduated from Jackson's Central High School and afterward from the University of Southern Mississippi. She came to Baton Rouge not long after graduating from college and gladly lived here for the rest of her life. She was preceded in death by her mother, Johnie Bell Smith and her stepfather, William M. Smith, Jr. She is survived by her husband of 47 years, Joseph Hilton Sims, son Ryan Lee Sibley of Baton Rouge, daughter Stacey Sims DeWeese, favorite son-in-law, Peyton Todd DeWeese, and two much-loved granddaughters, Peyton Leigh DeWeese and Amelia Caroline DeWeese, all of Atlanta, Georgia. JoAnn was an energetic woman prior to her illness and spent many hours as a volunteer. Among her interests were the Episcopal schools her children attended, Baton Rouge Symphony League, Kappa Delta Alumni Association, Magnolia Mound Plantation, Foundation for Historical Louisiana and the Wednesday Club of ExxonMobil spouses. JoAnn was particularly proud of being awarded the Kappa Delta "Order of the Pearl" for outstanding service to the community. She was a member of the Daughters of the American Revolution and the Huguenot Society. She was also a devoted genealogist, collector of antiques and traveler, sometimes happily combining the three. Over the years, JoAnn had many caretakers at home and in the medical world. It is not possible to name them all here. But, we would like to thank them all. We will name four. One is Gary Barker, her long-time physical therapist, who exemplifies what caring for a patient is supposed to mean. During the last, most difficult period, three people were of particular note for their dedication and compassion. Shena Byrd and Helen Roque were two of them. The third, Diane Fabre, is truly one of God's Special People. She was JoAnn's principal caretaker for all these years. In addition, she has been our friend, our Rock, our grandchildren's extra grandmother, and sometimes, even our spiritual advisor. JoAnn had many friends. We thank all those who faithfully visited or called to inquire about her. Finally, we would like to thank the staff of St. Joseph's Hospice. Services will be held at Rabenhorst Funeral Home East on Friday, March 4, 2016. Visitation will be from noon to 2:00pm with the service following conducted by Deacon Reese Wiggins of St. Luke's Episcopal Church. A reception will be held at the funeral home after the service. Burial will be the next day at Hickory Grove Cemetery in Laurel, Mississippi, adjacent to her husband's parents. In lieu of flowers, donations can be made to the Arthritis Foundation or the Episcopal School of Baton Rouge.