Cecile Cole Sims' Obituary
Cecile Cole Sims, age 79, beloved wife, mother, grandmother, sister, and friend, passed away February 15, 2025.
Cecile was born in Atlanta, the oldest of four children, to Weldon Hubert Cole and Mildred Pirkle Cole. She grew up in Atlanta in Historic West End, living right next to the Wren’s Nest. Even though her family moved before her senior year of high school, she was still voted “Friendliest” of her senior class.
In 1963, Cecile married the love her life, James Ronald “Ronnie” Sims, and the two raised a beautiful family together. For many years, Cecile was a wonderful homemaker who still found time to help others, whether it was volunteering through Meals on Wheels, or visiting new mothers to enroll them in Cradle Roll. Cecile made sure to make time for the important things in life. She never missed her children’s or grandchildren’s events -- from ballgames or award ceremonies to band performances and competitions, Cecile was always there as their biggest cheerleader.
Cecile was a faithful Christian lady and a member of Mt. Harmony Baptist Church for over fifty years. Her heart for children was shown in her devotion to the 5-year-old Sunday School Class and Vacation Bible School, teaching both for over 40 years. She also volunteered to chaperone church trips. Cecile truly embodied living by deeds and not just by words.
After raising her children, Cecile became a paraprofessional. For 16 years, she was a “parapro” in the kindergarten classes of Russell Elementary School in Cobb County.
Cecile is survived by her husband of 61 years, Ronnie Sims; children, Lauri Halleck (Randy) of Powder Springs and Kyle Sims (Crystal) of Hiram; siblings, Patricia Cole, Donny Cole; brother-in-law, Pete Horsley; grandchildren, Meredith Vincent (Brad), Melissa Edde (Jacob), Conner Sims (fiancé-Caitlyn Burdette), Mandy Halleck (fiancé-Will Pearson), and Chloe Sims; great-grandchildren, Tatum Vincent, Lyla Vincent, and Charlotte Edde; and a host of beloved extended family and friends.
She is preceded in death by her parents, James and Mildred Cole; sister, Beverly Horsley; and sister-in-law, Patsy Cole.
A funeral service honoring Cecile’s life will be held Thursday, February 27th at 2:00 PM Davis-Struempf Chapel with her nephew, Zack Cole, officiating. Interment will follow the service at Mt. Harmony Memorial Gardens.
The family will receive friends on Wednesday from 5:00 to 8:00 PM at Davis-Struempf Funeral Home.
In lieu of flowers, the family kindly requests donations be made to Mt. Harmony Baptist Church at 561 Veterans Memorial Hwy SE, Mableton, GA 30126
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