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Naomi Sims Obituary
Sims, said by some to be the first black supermodel, died Saturday of cancer in Newark, N.J., her son Bob Findlay told The New York Times. It had been decades since she left the runway to become an author and launch her own beauty empire.
Sims attained success at the same time that the "Black is Beautiful" movement was taking hold, and her accomplishments helped pave the way for the black runway stars of the 1970s, including Pat Cleveland, Alva Chinn and Beverly Johnson.
Sims often spoke of her difficult start - as a gangly foster-care kid in Pittsburgh who towered over the other children in her school. In 1966, she came to New York City to attend the Fashion Institute of Technology on scholarship.
When she began approaching modeling agencies, she was turned down again and again - with some telling her that her skin was too dark. Instead of giving up, she pushed forward and approached photographers directly.
The approach landed her the cover of the Times' August 1967 fashion supplement. She used that photo to market herself directly to advertising agencies, and within a year she was earning $1,000 a week and appearing in a national television campaign for AT&T. Before long, she was modeling for top designers.
Sims gave up modeling after five years and launched her own wig-making business geared toward black women. She eventually expanded the multimillion-dollar business to include beauty salons and cosmetics, and she wrote "All About Health and Beauty for the Black Woman" and other books.
Sims was born in Oxford, Miss., in 1948. Her parents divorced soon after she was born and her mother moved Sims and her two sisters to Pittsburgh.
Besides her son, Sims is survived by a sister, Betty, and a granddaughter.
Copyright © 2009 The Associated Press
499 Entries
Rosemarie Mahone
May 28, 2025
She would always try to style my hair at the bus stop in the morning
Marlon Barbour
March 24, 2019
What an inspiring,beautiful,gifted,and talented lady she was. May she R.I.P.
VH
March 11, 2019
I always admired Miss Sims and her career. To the family I offer my sincer sympathy for your loss. May God comfort you at this time.
Marjorie Kipp
May 22, 2018
A truly remarkable and beautiful human being. Love and Miss You. M. Kipp
How you can show support
Valenda Newell
July 13, 2016
ONE WORD........."ELEGANCE"
Selwyn Singh
January 5, 2015
Ressurection day will come hoping to see you. May God bless your soul miss you the last days we spent together was memorable.ex. Selwyn
Ms. Naomi Sims - Fashion Model Icon, Writer of Beauty Books & Entrepreneur (Wig Company)
--DEE
July 10, 2014
When I was a child, I remember viewing the cover of Life Magazine which featured the first black supermodel, Naomi Sims, when it first came out around 1969 (as well as viewing the inside photos). She was the first black model to ever appear on their cover. Naomi Sims was definitely a fashion model icon. Life was one of the magazines my parents consistently purchased for our household. I remember thinking how beautiful Naomi was and hearing how ground breaking it was for a black model to appear on the cover of a major magazine such as Life (since the publication was extra large, in size, it was even more memorable). As a little black girl, Naomi's elegance spoke volumes to me when I saw Life magazine and subsequent publications featuring her. Naomi was also the first black model to appear on the cover of Ladies Home Journal (1960s). It was virtually impossible for black models to be accepted in the modeling industry (when Naomi got her big break in the 1960s)and she had intelligent ways to work around the often closed-door system to ultimately be accepted without altering her elegant style nor who she was. She paved the way for future supermodels Pat Cleveland, Beverly Johnson, Iman and those thereafter who all owe her a depth of gratitude. Glad she was able to attend Oprah's Legends Ball before she passed away. Rest In Peace.
reida davis
March 16, 2014
She and I were the same age, I loved what she did for us black girls back in the sixties, she will never be forgotten
Robert
December 18, 2013
And no resident will say: “I am sick…” Isa 33:24. We can expect this to be a reality in the near future; perhaps you or I may see those missing from our lives due to sickness that leads to death. Prayers go out to the surviving family and friends.
Reggie Sims
September 5, 2013
I admire what she overcome in her lifetime breaking barriers from our home town of Oxford ,Mississippi . I wish I could've got to know her she was my grandfather niece my second cousin . Thanks for the memories.
April 14, 2013
I'm so proud that the Lord gave us an chance to know an beautiful lady like you Ms. Sims. I'm an dark colored young lady and if you can hear me from the wonderful place you are now all i have to say is Thank You Sister and you will never be forgotten angel.
Shara Waller
February 13, 2013
"Of all the colors in the crayon box the deepest and darkest colors still have beautiful hues.Remembering Naomi in this fashion still takes my breath away.
Trisha Bowens
October 10, 2012
My wish for you, Where there is pain, I wish you peace & mercy. Where there is self doubt, I wish you a renewed confidence in you ability to get through this. Where there is tiredness, or exhaustion, I wish you understanding, patience, & renewed strength, where there is fear. I wish you peace, love, and the courage . That only can come from. GOD.
Trish Bowens
October 10, 2012
To the family of ms sims, how my heart broke upon hearing about this beautiful lady. Taken so early. May the creator of the universe give you comfort.
Janissa Davis
July 13, 2012
"You are not only an inspiration to Black or African American women, but to any woman and anyone who has felt adversity while trying to fulfill their dreams. I pray your legacy lives on and your life continues to inspire others to go after their dreams with Jesus Christ by their side."
Nazarene Mckinney
March 31, 2012
Naomi Sims was an inspiration for women all over the world. Thank you for helping all women to realize their beauty and value ss well. May your family find peace and comfort in the many promises of Jesus Christ.
Brenda Stewart
March 31, 2012
You were such an inspiration to me growing up in such a small town. My love for fashion was truly inspired,and admired by your gracefulness. You will shine on...above.
NorveLa FLuddrice ~
March 30, 2012
To: The FamiLy of The LaTe NAOMI SIMS....
HeartFeLt CondoLences is sent your way, here's a lighTed candLe fRom Our House -2- Yours..... sTaybLess..
March 30, 2012
Its 2012 and this is my first time hearing about Mrs. Sims, wow what a beautiful lady really would like to find and learn more about her.Forever and Angel forever and Angel
Linda Smith
September 27, 2011
may the lord be with you in a time like this my prays go out to you.
+ Rev. Dr. Nicholas V. Gamvas
March 28, 2011
To The Sims Family:
May God comfort you in your great loss. May Naomi's Memory Be Eternal. She accomplished so much and the world is a better place because of her contributions. Now walk with God Naomi!
With Sympathy,
Loreen Reed
March 19, 2011
Sims Family,
May God who see your tears and pain of heart, continue to give you all the needed strenght and comfort to endure. Blessed be the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, the Father of tender mercies and the God of all comfort, who comforts us in all our tribulation.
C M
January 31, 2011
My heart goes out to your entire family. When death reaches into our families and snatches away our loved one, the shock of loss can be the severest emotional blow of our lives. Grief is so difficult to endure that we suffer sleepless nights, empty days and a feeling of not knowing how to go on. God sees our tears and pain of heart. For He is near to those that are broken at heart; and those who are crushed in spirit he saves. He is healing the brokenhearted ones. He is there giving support to all who are falling, and is raising up all who are bowed down. So that the power beyond what is normal may be God’s and not that out of ourselves to help you go from one day to next. (Ps 147:3)
michael owens
January 5, 2011
I just learned about her passing. I remember meeting her in Oxford Mississippi with my aunt big anny, she will be missed.
Hilary Thompson
June 19, 2010
I just heard about Naomi's passing. The last time I saw her was at Macy's when they were in business in Newark NJ. She will always be remembered. My thoughts and prayers go out to her entire family.
RIP
Vernell K.
April 28, 2010
A phenominal woman and ultimate beauty! As a student of F.I.T. in 70's N.Y.C. , her name echoed throughout to give reccognition to an individual in a fashion show displaying exceptional "star quality". Everyone attempted to immitate Naomi!! May her son and family be blessed with love , comfort and support as they endure.
The first Black Super Model of the Sixties
Deborah Robinson
April 6, 2010
I grew up when being black was not considered beautiful. In 1965, at the age of 13 years old, I was inspired by this tall, beautiful, dark complected fashion model, Naomi Sims. She blew me away! To this day, I am thankful to Naomi. She made me the women I am. I have always been complimented on my style, hair, and make-up. Today at 57 years old I am still inspired by her courage and beauty.
BJ
January 15, 2010
I was told by my friend that Naomi had passed. I had no idea nor do I recall hearing anything on the news. Naomi was the model during my time. What a model! She help pave the way for the other models. Herndon, VA BJ
Fannie Coleman-Mance
January 13, 2010
Her grace was truly an inspiration!
January 5, 2010
I just heard, my condolences go out to her son, family and friends. I will be praying for all of you, I am Christian.
Clayander Wilson
December 30, 2009
Before Tyra,Campbell and others that graced the runway there was Naomi. She created the road map that has led to the success that African America models share today. She not only pocessed beauty, but proved to have intellect as well. What a legacy for any young woman of color to aspire for.
C
kay king
December 30, 2009
she was such a beautiful lady we will miss her she will never be forgotten
kay king
thomaston georgia
Sheryl Mullett
November 2, 2009
I admired Naomi Sims unreservedly. She had the drive to succeed and the dignity to command respect in an extremely difficult and competitive field. God Bless her family and friends in this time of sorrow.
Patrice Beasley
September 25, 2009
Amazing Women... she was and will never be forgotten...
Sondra Duffy
September 20, 2009
Thank you for all you contributed for the lives of black woman.I still buy & wear your wigs. You will be greatly missed,RIP my sweet sister. Your legacy lives on through us!
Yoleen Lucas
September 20, 2009
I learned a lot from you, and have greatly benefited from your business products. Thank you for your contributions to the world!
M M Penn
September 7, 2009
You were a leader and one of the first, rest in peace Naomi
NICCI KEITH
August 26, 2009
MY PRAYERS GO OUT TO MS. CAMPBELL AND HER FAMILY MAY THE PEACE OF GOD BE WITH YOU ALL.
Marle King
August 25, 2009
May God in His infinite mercy grant you all the peace and endurance to move forward.
August 24, 2009
Please accept my heartfelt condolences for your loss. May you treasure your memories as they become more precious in the weeks and months to come. I hope that you find some comfort from the words at Psalm 147:3, "He is healing the brokenhearted ones; and is binding up their painful spots." Your family will continue to be in my prayers.
The Lewis family
August 24, 2009
Naomi was truly a beautiful woman inside and out. May her family find peace and comfort from the scriptutres (2Corinthians 1:3,4)
shirley woods
August 24, 2009
My thoughts and prayers are with you in your time of grief. May your memories bring you comfort.
Joselyn Williams
August 24, 2009
A true inspiration to all women of color around the world, Peace be with you and your family.
Tenoha Mitchell
August 24, 2009
You are gone but your beauty will last forever in the pages of my book.
August 24, 2009
I was sorry to hear of the passing of your mother. I wanted to share Psalm 34:l8 with you. Its a scripture that has given me great comfort.
August 24, 2009
A pioneer...thank you for your life to empower women of color.
Edwina Beanum
Milwaukee, WI
Edwina Beanum
August 24, 2009
A pioneer...thank you for your life to empower women of color.
Ketriana Yvonne
August 24, 2009
Deepest sympathy to the family. Ms Sims was iindeed an inspiration to me growing up pursuiting a fashion buying position when that was unheard for African Americans woman or woman for that fact. She was the pioneer in the beauty industry and I was honored to meet her and get her book.
RIP Naomi
Peace and Love
Linda Walker
August 23, 2009
To the Sims Family, In a time of grief , sadiness, depression, hold on to god unchanging hands.
Rodney Raiford
August 23, 2009
Naomi we will miss you beautiful Black sister the first black modell that I knew of rest in peace
Sa Washington
August 23, 2009
Ms. Sims was indeed an inspiration to so many young African American girls. Another icon that proved you must rely on your character and follow your dreams. She woke up the fashion world!!
God bless the family.
ANNIE ROBINSON
August 23, 2009
Ms Sims,
You will be greatly missed; you are my ICON.
GOD BLESS AND REST IN PEACE!
YOUR SISTER IN FAITH
ANNIE
ANNE ROBINSON
August 23, 2009
You are an ICON for me and you will be missed greatly. Rest in Peace!
YOUR SISTER IN THE LORD
ANN
jackie beamus
August 23, 2009
NAOMI SIMS FAMILY
U WILL ALWAYS MISS HER GOD BLESS.
NO BOND IS AS GREAT AS THAT BETWEEN A PARENT AN HER CHILDREN, MY DEEPEST CONDOLENCE ARE WITH YOU AS YOU GRIEVE.
vickie kilgore
August 23, 2009
My thoughts and prayers are with you in your time of grief. May your memories bring you comfort.
virginia flanigan
August 23, 2009
rest in peace beautiful woman...
August 23, 2009
she was very lovely. Despite her beauty she had power, and strength to make it through with her beautiful skin god bless her, may she rest in peace.
August 22, 2009
love you and will miss you.
naomi jackson
CYNTHIA SHARRETTE-SCOTT
August 22, 2009
I Wish I could have known Ms. Sims on a personal level, because she seem to have been a well put together sister.
I'll be praying for the family, another history maker has gone home to the almighty creator.
S. Bourque
August 22, 2009
Sims was a strong and beautiful woman. My condolences to her family.
August 22, 2009
god bless naomi and her family...we loved you in new york too
Pete Mallory ( Syracuse, N.Y. )
shirley ritter
August 22, 2009
an inspiration to a lot of black woman, god's blessing to you and your family. memories are for keeps. now she is god's black beauty
PAMELA DANIELS
August 22, 2009
I'LL BE KEEPING YOUR FAMILY IN MY PRAYERS.
Denise A.
August 22, 2009
Inner and outer beauty and strength defined Naomi. She set a proud, bold, and graceful standard for women of all races and colour. God has you in His arms, and you are rejoicing in your new home of peace, beauty, and love.
K Taylor
August 22, 2009
Peaceful journey....
Naomi Chavis-Osborne
August 21, 2009
What an icon of outer and inner beauty. She was an inspiration to black women. Her life will live on through all of her accomplishments.To her family live upright and you will see her again.
Alonzo Kelly
August 21, 2009
Thank you for passing this way. May family and friends replace your loss in reverence of God's grace. You will always be a living memory.
Ezeperee Mckinney
August 21, 2009
Praying for your Family, God Bless, Ezeperee Mckinney, Gastonia,NC
August 21, 2009
MAY GOD BESTOW HIS BOUNTIFUL BLESSINGS UPON THIS BEREAVED FAMILY, DURING THEIR PERIOD OF SADNESS. mAY YOU FIND COMFORT IN KNOWING THAT SHE IS RESTING IN THE ARMS OF JESUS.
JOYCE A. BENJAMIN,CAPITOL HEIGHTS, MD.
patricia thompson
August 21, 2009
may god bless you and your family in your time of need. family keep your head up and keep up the good work she is always gong to be looking down on you. god bless
pat
August 21, 2009
THANK GOD FOR YOUR PASSING THRU ON YOUR JOURNEY "YOU HAVE BEEN INSPIRATIONAL IN REPRESENTING BEAUTY IN BLACK WOMEN"
LOVE AND BLACK BEAUTY WILL LIVE ON
Margaret Lopez
August 21, 2009
May the God of all comfort , comfort your family during your time of
bereavement (2Cor 1:3,4). I am sorry for your loss.
Rojeanna Adams
August 21, 2009
My sincere sympathy goes out to the Naomi Sims Family at this difficult time. She made great accomplishments during her lifetime.
Sharee
August 20, 2009
May God keep his umbrella of protection upon her in her passing as he did while she lived.
August 20, 2009
REST IN PEACE. GOD BLESS YOU
Denise Johnson
August 20, 2009
August 20, 2009
I just wanted to say to the family that Naomi was a Blessed Child. God had a plan for her and it came shinning through!!! May God bless Namoi and her family always!
Horace Nichols
August 20, 2009
May the Lord continue to bless and be with the Family during these sad times although her spirit still lies among us.."I will lift up mine eyes unto the hills from whence cometh my help my help cometh from the Lore which made heaven and earth." Psalm 121
Emma Warfield
August 20, 2009
My thoughts and prayers are with you in your time of grief. May your memories bring you comfort.
Susan Gardner
August 20, 2009
Most beautiful presence is back to forever spread the beauty again.
Forever Peace, with Christ Jesus
August 20, 2009
To the family of Ms. Sims. You will see your loved one again in God's promised new world where there will be no more suffering and death.
Carmen Pitts
August 20, 2009
May you rest in Gods arms and your family becomforted to know that earth has no sorrow that heaven cannot heal. Thank you for your Gifts and Talents here on Earth and may you share them in the Heavens and be rewarded by Our Heavenly Father...
RITA&KARLOS IRVINE
August 20, 2009
To my dearest family, some things I'd like to say...
but first of all, to let you know, that I arrived okay.
I'm writing this from heaven. Here I dwell with God above.
Here, there's no more tears of sadness; here is just eternal love.
Please do not be unhappy just because I'm out of sight.
Remember that I'm with you every morning, noon and night.
That day I had to leave you when my life on earth was through,
God picked me up and hugged me and He said, "I welcome you."
It's good to have you back again; you were missed while you were gone.
As for your dearest family, they'll be here later on.
I need you here badly; you're part of my plan.
There's so much that we have to do, to help our mortal man.
God gave me a list of things, that he wished for me to do.
And foremost on the list, was to watch and care for you.
And when you lie in bed at night, the day's chores put to flight.
God and I are closest to you....in the middle of the night.
When you think of my life on earth, and all those loving years
because you are only human, they are bound to bring you tears.
But do not be afraid to cry; it does relieve the pain.
Remember there would be no flowers, unless there was some rain.
I wish that I could tell you all that God has planned.
But if I were to tell you, you wouldn't understand.
But one thing is for certain, though my life on earth is o'er.
I'm closer to you now, than I ever was before.
There are many rocky roads ahead of you and many hills to climb;
but together we can do it by taking one day at a time.
It was always my philosophy and I'd like it for you too...
that as you give unto the world, the world will give to you.
If you can help somebody who's in sorrow and pain,
then you can say to God at night......"My day was not in vain."
And now I am contented....that my life has been worthwhile,
knowing as I passed along the way, I made somebody smile.
So if you meet somebody who is sad and feeling low,
just lend a hand to pick him up, as on your way you go.
When you're walking down the street, and you've got me on your mind;
I'm walking in your footsteps only half a step behind.
And when it's time for you to go.... from that body to be free,
remember you're not going.....you're coming here to me.
Ruth Ann Mahaffey (author)
©Copyright 1998-2009
August 20, 2009
Beyond Sympathy is Respect~I RESPECT NAOMI, I admire her and I hope beyond hope that we all can mourn for a beautiful Black Woman without "color" boundaries. She deserves more than that~She is with our Lord and he has the most beautiful Angel, Heart and Soul.
Enough said.
Melanie
Syracuse, NY
August 19, 2009
Ms. Sims was "all that she could be". She was BEAUTIFUL and I would slow the pages of the magazines, to ensure that I captured all of her beauty. She was one of us, young, beautiful, high achievers and "Black and Beautiful".
Vivilora P. Smith, Atlanta, Georgia
August 19, 2009
When I was young, tall, skinny and gangly I didnot feel comfortable in my skin. When I would look at pictures of the tall, striking, beautiful and smart "Princess" Naomi Sims, I realized that not only was I beautiful but I was tall, dark , lovely and smart. Thank you Ms. Sims for being "all of that". Thirty six years later and you are still my role model as a smart, intelligent, beautiful businesswoman. Miami & Atlanta
August 19, 2009
Naomi Sims was such a beautiful person and I am sorry to hear of her parting. She opened a lot of doors for many people. Very courageous woman especially standing her ground during the 70's. My prayers of peace go out to her son and family. Cindy scott, New Jersey
J Evans
August 19, 2009
Angel from above you have returned home to be with our heavenly father We thank God for the time that he loaned you to us. Sleep on my beautiful black sister. See you when i get there.
Mary O'C
August 19, 2009
I was a 10 year old white girl from the suburbs of Boston, MA when I saw Naomi's picture on the cover of Ladies
Home Journal. "What a beautiful woman", I thought at the time. I do remember this vividly! Peace Be to All
her Loved Ones, MOC
ANNIE GLASS JOHNSON
August 19, 2009
MY PRAYERS ARE WITH YOU, MAY GOD GIVE YOU COURAGE TO KEEP GOING IN THESE TIMES ,HE WILL MAKE YOU STRONG, WHAT A WONDERFUL ENDING FOR A YOUNG LADY FROM OXFORD ,MISS. NEAR MY HOME TOWN OF BRUCE,MISS. MAY GOD BLESS AND KEEP YOU AND THE FAMILY.
Tess Craft
August 19, 2009
She Was Beautiful,and must have been a Very Courageous,Wonderful Person.My Condolences to Her Son and All the Rest of Her Loved Ones.
Stephanie Hall-Hunter
August 19, 2009
My thoughts and prayers are with you in your time of grief. May your memories bring you comfort.
August 19, 2009
Please accept my sincere condolences-I remember looking at her cover and wishing that I looked like her-what a loss of beauty and talent.God Bless You.Prayers, Vivian Welliver
Gwen Sims
August 19, 2009
We are proud of you my sista. Naomi Sims was Blessed by God and she became a blessing to others. Thank you for your legacy.
My deepest sympathy to the Sims family for your loss and God Bless your families healing.
Gloria Stephens
August 18, 2009
Ms. Sims validated for so many African American young girls and women that "Black Is Beautiful." Her example truly enhanced and encouraged a positive self image. With my condolences.
Sandra Tolliver
August 18, 2009
To the Family:
What a great loss to America and inspiration to aspiring models. She truly paved the way for our darker shades of beauty, a Southern Girl, native of Mississippi, a fierce business woman, Super Model! With deepest sympathy, God Bless all of you.
August 18, 2009
My thoughts and prayers are with you in your time of grief. May your memories bring you comfort.
Bridge Muhammad
August 18, 2009
I've always said that I've been all over America and hadn't seen anything that impressed me more than what I've seen right here in North Mississippi,mainly the most beautiful women. Ms. Sims proved me right !! May Allah (GOD) be pleased our sister's time among us. She set a high standard for Black women all over the world.
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