Funeral services were held Saturday, March 4, 2023, at Sweetwater C.M.E. Church in Bassfield, for Mrs. Mary Nell Sims, 81, who passed away Monday, Feb. 27, 2023, at her residence. Rev. Cedric Johnson officiated with interment following in the church cemetery. Johnson Funeral Home was in charge of arrangements.

Mrs. Mary Nell Sims is the daughter of the late Elijah and Lucy Mae Graves. She was a member of Sweetwater C.M.E. Church. She worked as a waitress, and enjoyed cooking, fishing, babysitting, and casino entertainment in her spare time.

She is survived by her husband, James E. Sims; children, Shirley Ann Hathorn, Terrie (Steven) Sims, James E. Jr., (Racheal) Sims, Lionel (Christine) Sims, Tina (Paul) Turner; 19 grandchildren, and over 30 great-grandchildren; and many other relatives and friends.