Mary Ellen Kelly Sims

Mary Ellen Kelly Sims CHARLOTTE - Mary Ellen Kelly Sims went to be with the Lord April 4, 2014. She died peacefully in her home. She always prayed that she would never suffer or be hospitalized long term. God answered her prayers. After spending a nice afternoon with some family members and friends, she quietly passed away. Glory be to God as she joined her love ones in Heaven. Ms. Sims was 88. She was born February 28, 1926, in Union county to the late Zachary and Alice Kelly. She had a long, wonderful life that she shared with her loving husband, James G. (Bill) Sims whom she was married for 52 years. He preceded her in death in 1993. Ms. Sims was the mother for four sons, James G. Sims, Jr., and wife, Carolyn, William Paul Sims, and wife, Gayla, Michael Terry Sims (who preceded her in death in 1981) and Robert Kelly Sims. She was loved and survived by twelve grandchildren: Tammy Elliott, Rhonda Flowe, Wendy Fiscella, Shelley Hudson, Shaye Sims, Kelly Matz, Donna Thomas, Michael Sims, Christi Sims, Carey Carter, Scott Gillon and Lisa Gillon. Ms. Sims had ten great grandchildren and six great-great grandchildren, whom loved her abundantly, one of whom preceded her in death, Tra Elliott. Ms. Sims had four sisters. Survived by Sue Helms and preceded in death by Eunice Cole, Deana Weaver and Hazel Newman. Ms. Sims was a prominent icon in the neighborhood where she loved and was loved. She lived in the same house that her and Bill built sixty two years ago, that she and her family called home. Being one of the founders of the family business, Truck Parts Inc., she served as corporate Secretary since 1966 and remained active in the daily management of the company. She drove to Truck Parts often, up until last week to talk and fellowship with her employees that she loved and thought of as family. She loved her beach home at Oak Island where she also had many friends and people dear to her heart. She was the most encouraging, inspiring person you could ever meet. She left this world leaving a most positive impact to all those who crossed her path. Mary Ellen Kelly Sims was a wonderful Christian woman who woke up daily excited to hear the Word of the Lord Jesus Christ preached for a couple of hours before she started her day. Baptized in the Holy Spirit, she most frequently visited Freedom Christian Center in Charlotte. Ms. Sims supported Andrew Womack ministries. Visitation will be at McEwen Funeral Home from 7 to 9 p.m. Friday, April 11, 2014. Funeral Services and celebration of her life will be held 11:00 a.m. Saturday, April 12, 2014, at the funeral home with Pastor Albert Johnston, officiating. Interment will follow in Gethsemane Memorial Gardens. Arrangements by McEwen Funeral Service - Derita Chapel, 6300 Mallard Creek Road, Charlotte, NC 28262 (704-596-3291). Condolences may be offered at www.mcewenderitachapel.com.