Ann Ree Sims

Surrounded by family and at great peace with how her 90 years were spent on this earth, Ann Sims was called home to be with her Lord and Savior on January 5, 2015. Ann was preceded in death by her husband, James Sims, Sr.; two sisters, Autrie Lehr, and Ida Causey; one brother, Wilford Church; and her parents, Jasper and Della Church. Born in Hueytown, Alabama; Ann was affectionately known as the "Banty Rooster" by her father, because although she was petite, she could always be counted on to stand up for her siblings even if the opposition was much larger. Ann carried this trait throughout her life, as she could always be counted on to stand up for her family and friends in any situation. As vivacious as she was lovely, Ann was a retired manager of Lerner Shops and Home Interiors. Always well-known for her fashion sense and style, Ann personally felt that it was her calling to ensure the economic survival of Dillards, Steinmart, and JC Penney. The standing joke amongst her sons in law was, "Don't die on Thursday because mom won't be at the funeral, she has to get her hair and nails done." After her retirement, Ann and her sister, Vera Mae Lewis of Starke, Florida traveled all over the world from the Pacific to Europe and many points in between. Ann loved to take cruises, dance (especially at her favorite dance hall, Jefferson-Orleans), and of course, she was always available at the drop of a hat for a quick trip to the casino for a little "cha-ching"; especially if there were crab legs or a "filly mignion" involved. As a member of the Red Hat Society, she just knew that it was another way to showcase her creativity and style. Ann kept in constant motion up until the very end. She was known to sneak into her children's homes and do laundry, ironing, or whatever she could just to help her children and keep active. Ann always loved her word jumble, and crossword puzzles. Those, the Lifetime Channel, Hall-mark Channel, and The Golden Girls were her companions late into the night. She always said that her puzzles were what helped her maintain a strong mind until the very end. Ann is survived by two sons and three daughters: Becky D. (Ed) Edwards, Thresa (Roland) Guillot, James Sims, Jr., Charles "Bud" Dabbs, Jr., and Linda A. (Roy) Guidry; eleven grandchildren; including, Tiffany M. (Paul) Rodriguez, Scott A. (Jessica) Cheffer, Brian (Cindy) Cheffer, Kristi (Drew)Collins, Laurie (Mike) Coleman, and Kyle Agnelly; and numerous great-grandchildren. An avid gardener, Ann loved to spend time with her flowers. She always said that sometimes you just had to whack a plant that was doing poorly to make it grow. Tough love among the roses was Ann's recipe that she used to grow beautiful roses, children, family, and friends. The "Banty Rooster" was never afraid of the thorns; she only wanted to release the hidden beauty from within. In turn, Ann was loved by all who she met and came in contact with. She will be forever loved and missed. Visitation will be held from 9 AM until 1:30 PM on Friday, January 9, 2015 with a service immediately following at Mothe Funeral Home, 2100 Westbank Expy, Harvey, LA followed by interment in Westlawn Cemetery in Gretna, LA. Ann was a member of Calvary Baptist Church in Algiers, LA. For directions or to sign the online guestbook please visit www.mothefunerals.com .