Odessa Davis Sims

On Tuesday, June 3, 2025, God called one of His most loving, sassy, funny, well-dressed, divas— Mrs. Odessa Davis Sims—to come home. She was preceded in death by her loving husband, James “Butch” Edward Sims, Sr.; parents, Ollie and Marie “Rye” Davis of Whitakers, NC; and sisters and brothers, Bessie Davis Dickens, Oliver Davis, William Henry Davis, Nathaniel Davis, Queen Davis Sutton, and Clifton Davis. Mrs. Sims is survived by her daughter, April Sims; sons, James Wright (Monica) and Talmadge Sims (Lisa Marie); brother, Dennis Nicholson; sisters-in-law, Annie Ruth Sims Howard, Elaine Davis, Pearline Davis, and Beaulah Davis; one broth- er-in-law, Willie B. Sims; a host of cherished nieces, includ- ing Rolanda Davis Lowery (Eric), Kimberly Howard, Crystal Davis, and Sylvia Newman (Cordell); a host of devoted neph- ews, including Tommy Howard (Paula), Tallus Horton, Larry Dickens (Lisa), and James Dickens (Gwen); greatly beloved great- nieces and nephews, including Jurnee Lowery, Ke’Tonna Howard, and Clayton Green, Jr. (CJ); special great-great-niece, Ta’Leah Givens; bestie, Brenda Butler; goddaughter, Tiffany Lovette; godson, Geoffrey Turner (Nakela); and handyman, Don Able. Known to those closest to her as “O. D.,” “Aunt O. D.,” “‘Dessa,” or “Mama,” Mrs. Sims will be remembered by her spun- kiness, sassiness, laugh, playful sense of humor, lively vocabulary, realistic outlook, style, and lovingness. She was truly one of one and reveled in being so. Always one to sport sunglasses and a hat, she was never afraid of being different or over-dressed. Her nieces described her as the “Fly Auntie.” She often stated that were it not for her love of education, she would have pursued theater acting and attended the North Carolina School of the Arts. Born and raised in Whitakers, North Carolina, Mrs. Sims grew up the youngest in her household as a sharecropper, who mainly farmed tobacco and cotton. This upbringing, along with her passionately caring family, embedded in her a need to pur- sue a career where she could aid others in poverty with tools to help escape it and extend the greatest gift of all, love. When her parents passed on in her early 20s, it was her brothers and sisters who guided her and provided for her university educa- tion. Mrs. Sims told anyone and everyone that while she grew up financially poor, she was raised rich in love. She never forgot where she came from. While receiving a formal education as an undergrad student at WSSU, she also found a romantic love. A set-up from dorm friends for a ride to the store and an All the Way hot dog resulted in the marriage to her husband, James “Butch” Sims, Sr. They loved each other from young adulthood up until his death in 2017. It was beautiful to witness their love mature and blossom throughout the years. Butch often could be heard referring to his wife as, “My girl.” He also could be found shaking his head and calling his girl “crazy,” upon hearing her mischievous cackle and observing her colorful humor. Their union resulted in the birth of their daughter, April. As a mother, Odessa was exceptionally excellent. She thrived as a mother to many, with her nieces, nephews, April’s friends (their children), and godchildren calling her to share the tea, receive advice, get a listening ear, or partake in some humor that resorted in hearing that famous laugh. She was a caring, fiercely protective and spirited mom who would give her opin- ion–both bluntly and realistically. Around the house, she could be seen dancing and twirling to music—any artist from Aretha Franklin, to Rihanna, to Lil Jon—but she especially loved any- thing Motown. Those who knew her best also know that she enjoyed resting, watching an action-packed movie, or reading a good novel when at home. In her retirement years, she enjoyed travel with family and friends, shopping, and going out to eat with her dearest girlfriends to—what else?—laugh and cut up! Mrs. Sims served in elementary education for over three decades. She graduated from Winston-Salem State University with a teaching degree and later went on to earn Masters’ degrees from both WSSU and NC A&T in reading and educational administration. Mrs. Sims first worked in Danville, Virginia, and then primarily in the Winston-Salem, Forsyth County school system. Her most cherished years in education were spent serving as a 3rd and 4th grade teacher at Clemmons Elementary School and leading at, “The greatest elementary school ever,” Rural Hall Elementary School, as an assistant principal. During her teaching years, Mrs. Sims taught curriculum in a way that was, as she put it, “Made learning relevant to the real world.” Additionally, she honed in on “Critical thinking skills,” for each child that she taught, both in and out of the classroom. She believed in the ability to think independently and intelligently with a goal of doing one’s best. She advocated for each student under her loving and supportive care as an assistant principal. She believed that, “Education gives you access and options,” and that each child—regardless of circumstance—deserved the best education and school environment possible. Spiritually, Mrs. Sims believed that we are all God’s children. She wholeheartedly believed that everyone had a direct line to the Creator and that God lives in us all. She believed in church outside of a building and cherished her relationship with the Lord. She felt that we all have a story to tell and are worthy of love and patience. She was a member of Mars Hill Missionary Baptist Church, where both she and her husband, Butch, served. Odessa will be missed by many. She touched numerous lives as an educator, leader, auntie, sister, and friend. Her presence as a mother will be missed so very, very much. Whenever she was asked what she wanted for a special occasion, her answer was always the same—world peace. She wanted to simply be a good person and to help others. She fulfilled that goal—many times over!

Odessa Davis Sims

January 15, 1950 - June 3, 2025