Wilma Sims

Born on September 9, 1937, Wilma Sims waltzed into Heaven on October 15, 2026, where she was reunited with her beloved daughter, Jerri Lynn Sims; her mother, Blanche Brooks; her stepfather, Marvin Brooks; and her sister, Kay Wilson.

While her surviving children, Mike Sims of Mineola, Texas: Carla (Mark) McMillan of Lubbock, Texas: and Lori Sims of Houston, Texas will miss her dearly, they rejoice in knowing she is no longer confined to her bed and is finally free to move, dance and communicate once again.

Wilma devoted her early years to being a stay-at-home mother, raising her four children with love and dedication. Once her children were older and attending school, she began a career outside the home. She first worked as the tax assessor for Wellman ISD, where she had the added pleasure of seeing Carla and Lori at school each day, much to their chagrin at the time.

She later began working at Brownfield Federal Credit Union before moving to Lubbock to continue her career in banking. Wilma eventually went to work at Poka Lambro, where she served as Human Resources Director for several years. Always wanting to learn something new, Wilma also attended South Plains College.

Even as her children grew into adults, some traditions never changed. Carla and Lori loved teasing their mother by taking her picture on her first day of “school”, just as she had done to each of her four children on their first day of school every year without fail.

Wilma always took pride in looking her best, and she made sure her children did too. Whether it was finding the perfect first-day-of school outfit, the formal Jerri would wear when she was crowned homecoming queen, the outfit Mike wore when he won the Brownfield talent show playing the piano, Wilma wanted everything to be just right.

Of course, not everyone always appreciated Wilma’s fashion advice! Lori was a tomboy through and through, and Sunday morning often brought a battle of wills. While Wilma insisted she wear a dress to church, Lori would have much preferred her chaps, dirty cowboy boots, cowboy hat and gun holster. Interestingly, Lori had no objections to her mother’s fashion expertise when Wilma helped her find just the right coaching attire! Carla remembers so many carefully chosen outfits that she couldn’t possibly pick just one. For Wilma, it was one way she showed her children how much they meant to her.

Although Wilma could sometimes appear to have a tough exterior, those who knew her best understood that beneath it was a kind and generous heart. She had a special place in her heart for children and was always willing to help someone in need.

One Christmas, while shopping, Wilma overheard a foster mother from Buckner Children’s Home explaining to her children that they couldn’t afford the large tree they wanted. Without hesitation, Wilma quietly purchased the larger tree for the family and allowed each child to choose an ornament to hang on it.

Wilma never mentioned her act of kindness to her children. They learned about it only because a friend who had been shopping with her shared the story with them, warning that Wilma would “kill her” if she knew she’d told! That was Wilma. She found joy in giving without seeking recognition. She simply wanted those children to have a special Christmas without their foster mother feeling badly about not being able to afford the larger tree.

Her compassion extended beyond family and friends. She also volunteered her time answering calls for a suicide prevention hotline, offering a listening ear and kindness to people during some of their darkest moments.

Wilma was an avid Texas Tech Lady Raiders basketball fan and Jerri gave her season tickets for several years. She rarely missed a game, no matter what else was happening in her life. In fact, after spending an entire night at the hospital awaiting the birth of her granddaughter Lauren, she still made it to a Lady Raiders’ game the following day! Jerri accompanied her and somehow managed to sleep through the deafening roar of the crowd while Wilma cheered them on. It was the Lady Raiders’ unforgettable 1993 national championship season, and Wilma wasn’t about to miss a minute of excitement.

Wilma was also the proud grandmother of Lauren Strong of Las Vegas, Nevada, and Chase (Twyla) Havely of Charlotte, North Carolina. Although naturally reserved, they brought out a playful, affectionate side of her that few others had the privilege of seeing. She absolutely adored her grandchildren, and they loved her just as dearly. The special bond they shared was a joy to witness.

Her family takes comfort in knowing that she is now whole again, reunited with those she loved and free from the limitations of her earthly body.

And knowing Wilma, she probably didn’t just walk through Heaven’s gates. She waltzed right in.