Marshel Sims Jr.

Marshel, a lifelong resident of Indianapolis, Indiana, was born on May 23, 1939 to the late Marshel Sims Sr, and Callie (Winters) Sims.

Marshel was the sixth of eight children, he professed a hope in Christ at an early age and was a member of St. Johns Missionary Baptist Church until his death.

Marshel attended Indianapolis public schools and was a graduate of Arsenal Technical High School. After graduation he was drafted into the US Army where he served two years active duty in the Canal Zone, Panama and four years inactive(reserves)in the states. After his return to civilian life he was employed by Detroit Diesel Allison of General Motors as a linesman.

Marshel was not content with just being a linesman his goal was to become an electrician. He attended and graduated from R.E.T.S Electronics school and became a certified Journeyman Electrician. Because of downsizing Marshel retired from General Motors and began another career as an electrician at Amtrak, he later decided that he had had enough, and in later years He became a part of a Special Event Team.

Marshel met and married Ernestine Gilliam and remained a loving and faithful mate until his death.

Marshel, was preceded in death by both his parents, Janice, the mother of his children, one daughter Denice Hoskins, 2 sisters Dorothy Sims and Bobbie Jean Sims, 3 brothers Willis, Gerald and Frank.

Marshel is survived by his wife Ernestine of 24 years, 3 daughters Teresa Williams (Willis), Perchara Whitley (Devin) of Indianapolis, Yolanda of Florida, 1 son Shawn of Indianapolis, 1 sister Ann Sims Anderson of Cleveland, OH, 1 brother George(Hattie) of Indianapolis, sister in laws Jessie Cumberlander, Ethel Gibson Indianapolis, IN, Shirley Gilliam, Daisy Gilliam of West Point, GA, and Maxine Gilliam of Memphis, Tennessee, brother in laws Jim Gilliam Jr, Rochester, New York, and Horace Gilliam, (Theresa) Of West Point, GA, 8 grandchildren 12 great grandchildren, five special nieces Deborah, Sonja, Chantris, Dee Dee and Tonia.

Visitation will take place at St. John's Missionary Baptist Church, located at 1651 Dr Andrew J Brown Ave, Indianapolis, IN 46202, on November 1, 2025, from 10:00 am to 12:00 pm. Following the visitation, a Celebration of Life will be held at the same location, starting at 12:00 pm.

The final resting place for Marshel Sims Jr. will be Crown Hill Cemetery, located at 700 W 38th St, Indianapolis.