Darlene D. Sims

SIMS, Darlene D., age 82, of Tampa, went home to be with her Lord and Savior on Sunday, November 27, 2016. She died peacefully in her sleep after a holiday week surrounded by loving family, with wonderful food, fellowship, card-playing, and fun. Darlene was born June 24, 1934, the daughter of John and Viola (née Behne) Dechow. She earned her B.A in English from Michigan State and her M.A in Library Education from U.S.F. She had a 30-year career as a Librarian/Media Specialist, encouraging the love of literature, reading, research and learning. She was a longtime 37-year member of Palma Ceia Presbyterian Church, where she sang in the choir, taught bible studies, and was active in fellowship groups until her health declined in her later years. Darlene was blessed with a wonderful 62-year marriage to her husband, John. They shared an adventurous life of many military moves, and the joy of a large family - 5 children, 11 grandchildren, and 2 great-grandchildren. Darlene will be remembered for her unshakable faith, her love of family, and her joy of life. She was preceded in death by her parents; her grandson, John Wesley Sims, IV and a sister that died in infancy. Survivors include her husband of 62 years, John W. Sims, Jr., Lt. Col USAF (Ret); sons, John W. Sims, III and Gregory M. Sims; daughters, Vicki V. Lowry and husband George Patrick, Cristi L. Anderson, and Laree S. Butler and husband John D.; brothers, Dr. Jon Dechow and wife Esther and Dr. Paul Dechow and wife Dr. Joanne Blum; sister, Dr. Lynn McAndrews and husband James; grandchildren, Joshua, Jacob and Janna Sims, Shalyn and Kyle Lowry, Amie Bowling and husband Matthew, Amanda Burgin and husband Marcus, Andrew Anderson and Jackson and Jamie Butler; and great-grandchildren, Kaylor and Hunter Bowling. A memorial service (with a dinner immediately following) will be held at 6 p.m., Saturday, December 3rd at Palma Ceia Presbyterian Church, 3501 W. San Jose St., Tampa, FL 33629. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made in Darlene’s memory to Palma Ceia Presbyterian Church.