Wyonna Don Sims

Don was born in Greenville Texas and moved to Houston in the early 1940’s. She attended Reagan High school, where she excelled scholastically. She was a member of the National Honor Society, Student Council and the Speakers Forum and enjoyed participating in debates.

Don extended her education attending University of Houston and then enjoyed a brief modeling career. She also worked for the National Bank of Commerce in downtown Houston.

In 1958, she married her high school sweetheart, Jerry Sims, and they were married just shy of 59 years. Don was also active teaching Sunday School, pursuing crafts, gardening and artwork, but her most prized role was raising her children, Sandy and Jerry Jr.

Don was a devout Christian and besides supporting her own church, she contributed to many other Christian organizations including Dallas Theological Seminary, Far East Broadcasting and the Charles Stanley ministries.

Don loved the outdoors and sports. She was an avid fan of her grandson, Andrew Benak, and Rice baseball. She loved volleyball and supported her granddaughter, Kearby Benak, and Eastern University outside Philadelphia.

Don was also thrilled that her granddaughter, Elizabeth Sims, who excels in journalism and is a junior at the University of Oklahoma. Her grandson, Nathan Sims, is a senior at Coppell High school excelling in track and was recently named a National Merit Scholar, accepting a scholarship to the University of Oklahoma, as well.

Don is survived by her husband Jerry, daughter Sandy Sims Benak, son Jerry Sims Jr., Grandsons Andrew Benak and Nathan Sims, Granddaughters Kearby Benak and Elizabeth Sims, son-in-law Dan Benak, daughter-in-law Sara Sims, brother-in-law James Sims and many well-loved nieces and nephews.

A memorial service will be held at Memorial Oaks Funeral Chapel in Houston, 13001 Katy Freeway, on Wednesday, April 12th at 12:30pm, followed by a lite lunch at the same location. In lieu of flowers, please consider a donation to Dallas Theological Seminary at https://www.dts.edu/supporters/donateonline.