Sims History

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SIMS FAMILY HISTORY

             In 1999, the Los Angeles Sims Family Reunion Committee did an outstanding job of researching birth records, property sales, marriage records, and census records to provide the most accurate family history to date. They made a great video that gives more details on Mary Catherine Sims and “All of her Children.”  

             Mary Catherine Sims was born around 1832 of an Irish ancestry and lived in Choctaw County, Alabama until leaving for Jasper County, Mississippi around 18880. Not much is known about her ancestors other than her parents were from The Carolinas. She was married twice, the first time to a McHart and the second time to Mose Sims. She gave birth to six children: William "Billy" Sims born in March, 1856; Benjamin Frank Sims, born in May, 1860; Berry William Sims, born in October, 1864; Susie and Mary Jane Sims, about who very little is known.  

            Because our space is limited, we will only provide additional history on the families of Berry W. Sims and Willie Carmichael. Willie Mae Carmichael was born in October 1869 in Paulding, Mississippi and was of Black, Indian, and Caucasian ancestry. Her parents were William Carmichael and Caroline. Willie Carmichael had eight sisters and six brothers. They were: Roseanna, Harriett, Amy, Lizzie, Mary, Laura, Lillia, and Emily; Lance, Franklin, Lloyd, Samuel, William, and James.  

            Berry W. Sims and Willie Mae Carmichael were married in the 1880's. Their eldest child, James "Pink" was born October 16, 1889. The other children were Katie, June 11, 1893; Caroline, May 25, 1895; William "Beck", December 23, 1897; Willie Mae, November 20, 1905; Ora Bell, March 15, 1910; and Jesse Longmire, January 1, 1913.  

            Berry was a protective and affectionate family man, but was well know for his Irish temper. He was a multitalented and successful businessman. He ran a variety store and worked very hard to provide for the family. With the support of his spouse, Willie Mae, they purchased their first land in 1903. As the family began to increase, Berry found it necessary to do other work while Willie Mae and the children harvested the crops. Berry often assisted the needy in the community with their business. Before his untimely death on March 14, 1917, he had acquired a sizeable estate for his heirs.  

            Willie Mae was a loyal and energetic mate. She was able to carry on and raise the younger children with the assistance of the two elder sons, James "Pink" and William "Beck". Although they had families of their own, Pink and Beck assisted their mother in paying off an additional 80 acres of land that Berry had purchased before his death. Willie Mae was kind and her generosity extended beyond her immediate family. She is remembered for her excellent cooking, which a legacy that was passed on to her descendants. She was also a terrific seamstress, passing her skills onto her daughters, daughters-in-law, and granddaughters. She passed away on September 26, 1935.  

            From the union of Berry and Willie Mae, there were seven children, 57 grandchildren, and approximately 300 great and great-great grandchildren.  

            The family has expanded to all areas of the world. They may be found in Los Angeles, CA, Vicinity, CA, San Francisco, CA, Oakland, CA, Lynwood, CA, Lake Forest, CA, Long Beach, CA, Lancaster, CA Compton, CA, Rossmoor, CA, Birmingham, AL, Tuskegee, Al, Jackson, MS, and other areas of Mississippi; Denver, CO, Detroit, MI, Southfield, MI, Boston, MA, Oklahoma City, OK, St. Louis, MO, Washington, D.C., Baltimore, MD, College Park, MD, Fayetteville, NC, Atlanta, GA, Smryna, GA, Douglasville, GA, Las Vegas, NV, Chicago, IL, Crete, IL, Columbus, OH, Houston, TX, Dallas, TX, Irving, TX, Spring, TX, New York, NY, Buffalo, NY, Hampton, VA, and even Singapore and Australia.  

            From modest beginnings as farmers and businessmen, the Sims family can now claim doctors, dentists, lawyers, educators, musicians, writers, artists, computer technicians, scientists, accountants, insurance agents, pharmacists, ministers, financial advisors, real estate brokers, travel agents, law enforcers, entrepreneurs, nurses, politicians, producers, promoters, actors, models, entertainers, nuns, meeting planners, event coordinators, business managers, franchise owners, and other public servants.  

            Remember the past, embrace the present, and enrich the future with Love, Peace, and Happiness!

The legacy continues....  

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