Bessie Boozer Sims

Bessie Josephine Boozer Sims passed away on July 12, 2012, surrounded by her family. Born in Newberry, SC, on June 18, 1918, Bessie was the daughter of Jacob Lawson and Bessie Nesley Boozer and wife of the late Robert Erwin Sims, II. In 1939 she graduated cum laude with a Bachelor of Arts degree from Newberry College where she was chaplain and treasurer of the Philomathean Literary Society, secretary and treasurer of the Methodist Student Association, a member of the Newberry College Singers, as well as the Dramatics Club and Life Service Group. She became a mentor to countless students as a teacher in Prosperity, Iva, and Rock Hill, S.C. Always interested in enriching the lives of her students, she served in many volunteer positions as well as president of the Classroom Teachers Association at Rock Hill High School in 1950. Her students still remember her classes as filled with encouragement, enthusiasm, and fun. After leaving the teaching profession she devoted her life to caring for her family, her highest joy. A member of Oakland Avenue Presbyterian Church for over sixty years, she was a Sunday School and pre-school teacher and active with the Women of the Church and her Circle. She pursued her enjoyment for gardening and flowers through the Little Garden Club, and her Book Review Club gave her opportunities to share her love of reading. Survivors are her son Robert Erwin Sims, III, M.D., of Houston, Texas; her daughters Kathryne Sims Perrill and her husband Fred of Bethune, S.C.; Josephine Sims Moluf and her husband Anthony of Charleston, S.C.; Elizabeth Sims Quinn and her husband Joseph of Rock Hill, S.C.; five grandchildren; five great-grandchildren; and many loving nieces and nephews. They extend their appreciation and thanks to all those who loved and cared for her. The family will receive friends from 1:00 to 2:00 P.M. on Monday, July 16, at Oakland Avenue Presbyterian Church. The funeral service will be held at 2:00 P.M. with the Reverend Mary Katherine Robinson officiating. Burial will be at Laurelwood Cemetery immediately after the funeral service. The family will again receive friends in the church fellowship hall following the burial. Memorials may be made to Oakland Avenue Presbyterian Church, 421 Oakland Avenue, Rock Hill, SC 29730; the Wayne T. Patrick Hospice House, 2275 India Hook Rd, Rock Hill, SC 29732; or the Robert E. Sims, II, Scholarship Fund, Presbyterian College, 503 S Broad Street, Clinton, SC 29325.

Visitation Details

Monday, July 16th, 2012 1:00pm - 2:00pm, Oakland Avenue Presbyterian Church

Service Information

Monday, July 16th, 2012 2:00pm, Oakland Avenue Presbyterian Church

Interment Details

Laurelwood Cemetery