Anna Sims Obituary
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 associate's of arts degree from Kilgore College and was the "oldest" person on the Dean's List; then went on to receive her bachelor's of arts and master's 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, 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 also 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. She painted murals at various locations around town, such as a jungle scene 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, and 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 6-8 p.m., today, August 3, 2011, at Lakeview Funeral Home.
Condolences may be offered at www.lakeviewfh.com
To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.
Tammy (Burt) Ormuz
August 11, 2011
Ann,
I'm so sorry to hear of your mom's passing. She was such a gifted and loving person. You and your family are in my thoughts and prayers.
Tammy Rogers Lemons
August 8, 2011
Mrs. Sims was more than a teacher to me, she was a friend. I am forever grateful for her friendship. I'm so glad she was able to meet my kids last year, her emails of encouragement to me are something I will always treasure. She was the greatest teacher not just in art but in life. I will miss her dearly.
Amanda Long Fleming
August 5, 2011
Ms. Sims was my art teacher in High school. Years later, I went to see her and took my first born child so that she could meet him, b/c She is one of those teachers that you will never forget and will always love. She was so wonderful in what she did and how she treated you. My mom and dad still have my first oil painting in a frame hanging on the hall entry wall, that she encouraged me to finish. I still love art to this day because of Ms. Sims. My thoughts and Prayers are with you all. She will be missed by So Many!!! Love,
Chuck Pinson
August 5, 2011
Mrs Sims was a very special person to so many people . She was always so fun and positive. She had a way about her that made me feel special and loved. She was by far the most outstanding teacher I ever had. The world will not be the same without her. Heaven is a better place now!!
Chuck Pinson
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Ana Aguilar
August 5, 2011
Mrs. Sims was the greatest Art teacher ever!!! I had the privelage of being her art student at Pine Tree High School for two years. She made me feel loved and I loved her back, she was very easy to love. I miss her already.
August 4, 2011
Jo was a classmate of mine in Sunday School @ Oakland Hts. Church. She was a sweetie, and always had a smile on her face. I wish her family my deepest sympathy, and wanted you to know how well thought of she was!
Jodi Bishop Parrish
August 4, 2011
What a great loss..the most wonderful teacher and person who is loved and will be missed by all she meet!!! May god hold the Sims family in his arms through the difficult time...thanks for all you've taught to all of us...I don't know anyone who was loved more at Pine Tree then her...Prayers being sent your way
Rona Lemons
August 3, 2011
Prayers are with the family of Mrs. Sims. I had the pleasure of having her as an art teacher while she was still student teaching at Pine Tree and as a neighbor off Timberline. She was truly one of the best people and teachers I've had the pleasure of knowing. Her love for everything around her was always showing through. She colored the world with her paintings and colored humanity with her presence.
See you in Heaven, Mrs. Sims.
Cynthia Mitchell
August 3, 2011
To Joe and Cathy Gill and the rest of the family, I send my heartfelt condolences for the loss of your dear mother. I pray God's comfort and strength to you and your family during this difficult time. Remember, "to be absent from the body is to be present with the Lord." Your mother is in the arms of the Lord now where she is in no more pain or suffering, please take comfort in knowing that. From reading these touching entries from so many people she truly left a special mark in so many lives. I will keep all of you in my prayers. Cynthia Mitchell, Berry Plastics in Homer, LA
Carla Elsken
August 3, 2011
I think my love for animals came from Aunt Jo. My fondest memories of her is when she would take me to her parents farm in Kingsville. My cousins and I would chase the animals, I think mostly the pigs. I was so disappointed when they moved from Corpus.
My Aunt Jo never knew a stranger. She always meet you with open arms and a hug. I will dearly miss her. She was a beautiful lady. I love you.
Love Carla
Ritch Wheeler
August 3, 2011
I can honestly say Mrs. Sims was my favorite teacher in High School. I took art all three years (four including 9th grade - Jr. High), was in the Art Honor Society all three years, and was President of the Art Honor Society my Senior year. Mrs. Sims is a HUGE reason why. She had a wonderful way of letting you know that you were Loved and that you were Important. For several years after I graduated I would go back to school to see Mrs. Sims when I was in town. What a wonderful person.
candee collins
August 3, 2011
John,
My fondest memories of Jo will be her laugh! Greeting her in the hall with that smile and a wink will always be precious to me. I consider myself blessed to have had Jo in my life. I will remember her with great love until we meet again. May God hold your family close.
Love Greg & Candee Collins
Angelia Fulton Crews
August 3, 2011
Mrs. Sims encouraged me in my artwork and I am still painting 25 years later.
Angelia Crews
August 3, 2011
Mrs. Sims was an inspiration to me and she encouraged me to do my art. I am still painting 25 years later.
Rob Izumi
August 3, 2011
Mrs. Sims' class was the best part of my high school career. I had hours of fun learning about art, and laughing both with my fellow students and Mrs. Sims. After I graduated from high school I would visit Mrs. Sims' during my breaks, something I haven't done with any teacher before or since. She was gracious enough to open her house to me and some of her other fellow students. As my family has moved away from Longview, I haven't had a chance lately to visit her and her husband. I wish I would have had one more chance to sit on her couch and drink a coke with her and laugh about the old days of the select art class. There are a lot of us who will miss you.
Robby "Zoomy" Izumi
Janice Greer (Rob Izumi)
August 3, 2011
Ms Sims was my son's teacher.She was what I think of as a teacher.She was a coach, a cheerleader,a class act and a wonderful woman.I know you will miss her but so will her many students and this world.
August 3, 2011
Uncle Sonny and Family,
I just read the obituary and wanted to express my condolences. I have such fond memories of Aunt Jo and how she was always happy and making everyone laugh.
It is Wednesday morning and I wish I was on the road to Longview to see you guys. Unfortunately, I have been having "flank pain" since Monday and I suspect it is a kidney stone (this would be my 4th episode). The pain subsided yesterday but it is back today. I don't want to take a chance of being on the road and end up in an emergency room with a strange doctor.
I just want you to know we are thinking of your family during this difficult time.
Love,
Frank, Jr.
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5000 West Harrison Road, Longview, TX 75604
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