Peggy JoAnn Sims

Our beautiful wife and mother, Peggy JoAnn Sims, died Oct. 16, 2024 at her home in Bonita Springs, Fla., surrounded by her loving family.

Peggy Dawes was born at home, July 25, 1929 in Urbana, to Everett Dawes and Edna Cook Dawes. She celebrated her 95th birthday in July.

Beginning a true love story, Peggy married the love of her life, James "Rex" Sims in Lakeview, Mich., on June 13, 1949, and began to build their life together. They were a true union, working together in several businesses and raising their family. Peggy was the CFO of all their endeavors and up until the end of her life, she was involved in the family finances.

The Simses moved to Rochester in 1960 when they founded Fulton Metal Manufacturing Company, and built it from the ground up. They successfully retired to Bonita Springs, Fl., in 1978. However, upon arrival they realized that there was more to do, and Rex started Builders Glass Service. In 1985, they created Heaven Scent Flowers where their daughter, Susie Sayger, has continued to build on their success. Peggy and Rex were business partners, as well as life partners.

They were fortunate to have travelled the world, flew on the Concorde to Europe and returned on the QE2, visited the Holy Land and were baptized in the River Jordan, and extensively toured Europe and the Caribbean. One of their highlighted trips was visiting Stonehenge for their 50th wedding anniversary. Peggy was Rex's co-pilot of their Cessna airplane, and even upholstered the interior. Peggy was a member of the Bay Presbyterian Church in Bonita Springs, founding president of the Bonita Springs Ladies of the Elks, member of the Bonita Springs Chamber of Commerce and a 50-year member of the Order of Eastern Star. Paramount in her life was her family, being a devoted mother and loving wife.

Survivors include her husband of 75 years, Rex Sims, of Bonita Springs; son Steven Rex (wife Christine) and daughter Suzanne "Susie" Sayger (husband Jim) all of Bonita Springs. Also surviving are her sister, Patricia Wilder, of Albany, Ga.; and grandchildren Abbe and Lucas Guddal, Bonita Springs.

Preceding Peggy were her grandson, Brandon Sims, her five siblings, Donna Wilder, Bernadine Ayers, Betty Brubaker, Pete Dawes, and Quennith Dawes, who died in infancy.

A celebration of life event will be held at the Rex Sims Banquet Hall in the Bonita Springs Elks Lodge, Coconut Road, Bonita Springs, Wednesday, Oct. 23. Funeral service will be at 4:30 p.m. with the Rev. Patrick Womack officiating. An open house will follow until 7 p.m.

Flowers are welcome and appreciated, as Peggy loved them. Please send your tributes through Heaven Scent Flowers, where she spent many years of her life making others happy with flowers. Memorial contributions may be made to the Wheelchair Fund at The Foundation of the Rotary Club of Bonita Springs, Inc., PO Box 474, Bonita Springs, FL 34133.

Online condolences may be offered by visiting www. ShikanyFuneralHome.com. Arrangements are being handled by Shikany's Bonita Funeral Home, family owned and operated since 1978.