Angela Dee Sims

Angela (Goodwin) Sims, affectionately known to her loved ones as “Cricket”, was born on March 31, 1962, in San Diego, California. She was the youngest child of Nathaniel and Ruth Lorraine Goodwin. Her legacy includes belonging to one of the oldest African-American families to migrate to California from Texas at the turn of the 19th century.

An avid learner, Angela received her formal education in the San Diego Unified School District where she graduated from Herbert Hoover High School in 1980. During her school days, she was a member of the varsity track & field team . Additionally, she was a member of the cheerleading squad. Softball, dance, and playing the piano were also extracurricular activities she loved. She later attended San Diego Community College and cosmetology school.

Raised by a family of educators, Angela’s true calling was teaching and developing young people. She initially began working in San Diego within the elementary school system and the banking industry.

After her marriage, the family relocated to Ontario, CA, where she began her career with UPS (United Parcel Service) holding several positions. Her true love was working in the training department developing newly hired employees.

As only she was able to do, Angela next combined two of her lifelong passions: teaching and family. She began working as a teacher’s aide at Golden Elementary, where her grandchildren were able to see her everyday while they attended school there. She also loved to read, do crossword puzzles, and watch general hospital and the lifetime movie network.

As mom and grandmother (known to her grandchildren as “G Ma”), Angela supported her daughters and granddaughters in various curricular and extracurricular activities. She never missed a soccer game, basketball game, or school event. More recently, she became the proud grandmother to her first grandson. They are all following in her footsteps.

As a woman of faith, she served in several ministries: first at North Park Apostolic Church in San Diego, CA, and later, at Life Changing Ministries in Pomona, CA. Her quiet strength and strong work ethic inspired her family and friends alike. Angela's can-do attitude made those around her believers.

Saving the best for last, Angela spent her remaining years with the love of her life, JD Baker. Together they lived life to the fullest. They enjoyed living in Fullerton and Las Vegas, exploring various parts of the world and following the LA Dodgers from city to city.

God, in His infinite wisdom and mercy, called our dear Cricket to eternity on July 21, 2024.

Angela leaves to cherish her memory: her life partner JD Baker, 2 daughters Gianina Cameron and Vanessa Munguia (Eddie), 2 granddaughters Jean-Hayley Cameron and Carter Rose Cameron; 1 grandson Eduardo Munguia; 5 siblings William Jackson (Marilyn), Helen McKinley (Johnny), Phillip Goodwin, Pamela Tolson (Harold), Anthony Goodwin (Sandy); and 1 uncle Freddie Alexander. She also leaves behind numerous nieces, nephews, cousins and friends.

"We love you Cricket. We will miss your smile, humor and fun-loving spirit!"