Anna Jo Cook Sims

Funeral services for Anna Jo “Dedo” Sims will be held at 10:00 a.m., Thursday, August 4, 2011 at Oakland Heights Baptist Church, the Rev. Kevin Bright officiating under the direction of Lakeview Funeral Home. Interment will follow in White Cemetery. Dedo was born September 21, 1931 in Kingsville, Texas to W. R. and Fannie Mae Cox Cook, and passed from this life July 31, 2011 in Longview, Texas at the age of 79.

Mrs. Sims loved everyone she met, and had a way of letting you know that you were genuinely loved and the most important person to her at the time. She was a strong supporter of the Longview City Council and the Texas Rangers. Dedo returned to school at the age of 45 where she received her Associates of Arts degree from Kilgore College and was the “Oldest person on the Dean’s List", then went on to receive her Bachelors of Arts, and Masters of Fine Arts from Stephen F. Austin University, completing all three degrees in three and a half years. She taught art lessons in the private sector, church and to the home schooled. Mrs. Sims also taught at Pine Tree High School for 20 years, where she had the privilege of teaching art to a son, a daughter, and two granddaughters, and was awarded Teacher of the Year several times. She was instrumental in mainstreaming special needs children into art classes.

Jo also had the privilege of studying under renowned artist Dalhart Winberg. She had her first surprise birthday party at the Cotton Patch at the age of 70, painted murals at various locations around town such as a jungle sene at Learningtree, Jeruselum at Oakland Heights Baptist Church, and at the age of 78 painted a mural of Noah’s Ark at ARC of Gregg County. On June 8, 1962 she married the love of her life, John A. Sims and they have shared 49 wonderful years together.

Mrs. Sims is preceded in death by her parents; a daughter, Sharon Dianne Sims; brothers, W.G “Sonny” Cook and Dan Cook. She leaves behind to cherish her memory, her loving husband, Councilman John A. Sims; sons, Dan Gill and wife Melissa; Joe Gill and wife Cathy; John Sims and wife Tina; daughter, Jo “Ann” Sims; grandchildren, Chellie Sparks and husband Joe; Jennifer Fogarty and husband Luke; Bo Gill; Janet Gill; and Sarah Sims; great grandchildren, Brennan Fogarty and Brooke Fogarty; Sisters-in-law, Jean Morrison and Jean Cook; special friends Mary Graham and Mary Squier (Mary and Mary); and special friend and caregiver Maranee Blalock.

The family will receive friends and family for visitation from 6 to 8 p.m., Wednesday, August 3, 2011 at Lakeview Funeral Home.