Jessie Mae Sims

June 27, 1942 - May 5, 2020

Please keep the Sims Family of Selma lifted in prayer as the Matriarch of the Family, Mrs. Jessie, transitioned early in the morning on Tuesday, May 5, 2020. The Obituary On June 27th, 1942 the world was blessed with the unforgettable presence of Jessie Mae Benton-Sims. Jessie Mae was born and raised in Selma NC, the eighth child of Ransome and Fannie Mae-Benton. Her siblings are in no particular order: Frank, Mary Lena, Earlene, Minnie Martha Magnolia Daisy Mae, Etta Jean, James Earl, Elizabeth, Robert Lee, Laura Mae She married Preston Sims, also of Selma, NC and from their almost twenty-one-year union birthed seven children; Justine, Judith, Mary, Larry, Alfred, Russell, and Scott. Jesse Mae was preceded in death by her second born child Judith Laverne, her parents Ransome and Fannie Mae Benton, her siblings; Frank Benton, sister Mary Lena, sister Earlene, and sister Minnie Martha Magnolia. Jesse leaves behind siblings Daisy Mae Robertson, Etta Jean Poston, James Earl Benton, Elizabeth Benton, Robert Lee Benton, and Laura Mae Benton; six children: Justine Sims Burridge (spouse Terry) Mary Sims Jones, Larry Sims (spouse Kaye,) Alfred (spouse Rosa,) Leonard Sims (spouse Tychinna) and Anthony Scott “Da Barber” Sims, numerous grandchildren and more great-grandchildren than we could count. Jessie's favorite place to attend service was Lee’s Chapel Church. The same church her parents attended throughout her youth. She exceeded in many roles such as wife, mother, secretary, cook, medic, nursemaid with her Mother-in-law, Flossie Mae Sims (and she helped raise brother in law Johnny Leroy Sims and cousin in law Teresa Sims Dawes.), who lived with her and her family for some time, and she also did domestic work, as well as, purchase and manage Pine-Level dry-cleaning business in Pine Level and Nell’s Laundry, in Selma, NC. She would take the time to check in on others and for them, make grocery runs, babysit, cook, shop, and provide a way to doctors’ appointments. Jessie Mae, our southern belle diva with a heart of gold could do all of that and more while effortlessly wearing heels... and to be frank, appearing as the best dressed in the room. Music was her joy and passion. No matter what was playing, live or on the radio, she would toe tap, clap, shimmy her shoulders, move her hips and insist that you join in. Honestly, after doing so, you couldn’t regret it. Mostly, Jessie Mae loved people. No matter where she went, it was as if she was a celebrity in her own right. Someone always knew her, and usually greeted her with the warmest of embraces. If asked who it was, she would tell you, but half of the time you were still left guessing. With the time we got to spend with her as she graced this earth, I’m sure there was a moment she could have taught us each at least one if not, a few of these things: A love of God, respect for elders, compassion, patience, determination, strength of character, forgiveness... state your opinion and mean it, but never hesitate to lend a listening ear dance like no one is watching, but dress like someone is check-in on someone you know and love from time to time… just because. don’t go in and out of the house too many times make sure your biscuits are on point if you know for a fact that you can wear an outfit better than someone, tell 'em! …and don’t ever forget to laugh and enjoy yourself, especially with friends and family. Jetty Betty, thank you for sharing with us the meaning of unconditional love From all of your doll babies, you will remain always in our hearts. Keep dancing, our Queen. Our Baby Doll. Service Dates- Wednesday from 5-7 pm Visitation Thursday 1 PM Funeral and 2 PM Graveside Ceremony Location of Funeral- Lori’s Funeral Home Smithfield-Selma 711 S. Raiford Street Selma, NC 27576 Cemetery- Selma Memorial Gardens Selma, NC