Barbara Anne Baker Sims

Our beautiful mother, Barbara Anne Baker Sims, age 85, went to her heavenly home on Sunday, February 26, surrounded by her children. We are heartbroken but are grateful that the battle is over and that she will now be one of heaven’s most glorious angels. Barbara was born in Happy Valley, North Carolina to Gladys Baker and Reverend Zeb Baker on March 24, 1937. She was the youngest of three girls with her two older siblings, Norma and Carol, being twins. Mother was a Christian with great faith being born the daughter of a Baptist pastor. Every single night when she put her children to bed we said our prayers. We want everyone to know that we could not have asked for a better, more wonderful mother, mother-in-law, grandmother or great-grandmother. She was selfless, always thinking of others. Her husband traveled Monday through Thursday or Friday so she did everything. Every morning a hot breakfast was served and every evening she’d whistle or ring a dinner bell. We’d come running and there was a deliciously prepared, well balanced dinner. She was a good cook and we were always happy to surround her prepared table. She made every holiday special with decorations, gifts, yummy cookies and delicious foods. There was not a minute when we didn’t know we were loved. Barbara Sims was an active member of St. John’s Lutheran Church enjoying worshiping, participating in Women of the ELCA, attending Sunday School, helping with the altar guild, cooking for funeral meals and more. Barbara had a beautiful alto voice always harmonizing as each hymn was sung on Sundays. When she was no longer able to be active she sent countless cards to others letting them know she was thinking of them. A 1955 graduate of Boyden High School, mom enjoyed monthly lunches with other Boyden classmates until her health prevented her from being able to enjoy these happy social events. Mom was able to be a stay at home mother but when her four children started to further their educations she went to work to help with expenses. She worked several jobs including three for the family: Super Service Inventory Control; operating the family’s restaurant the Carousel Café and cashiering for another family restaurant, Ivan’s. She also worked as a Deputy Clerk for the Superior Court. Following her husband, Joe Ivan’s death, mom’s son, Joseph, would take her on trips. She enjoyed this tremendously and there would have been more trips if her health had not become prohibitive. Barbara would say that Joseph was a good travel companion and she was grateful for the gift of travel and to be with him. Barbara was predeceased by her husband of sixty years, Joseph Ivan Sims, whom she married on January 12, 1955; her sister Carol Baker Hinson; and her parents Gladys Waters Baker and Reverend Zeb Baker. Survivors include her sister, Norma Baker Boger and husband Max of Moncks Corner, S.C.; her four children, Barbara Corriher and husband Darryl of China Grove, Melanie Kirchin and husband Ernie of Salisbury, Joseph Sims and wife Janet of Salisbury, Robert Sims and wife Meredith of Henderson, NV. Eleven grandchildren, Lon Sims(Tiana), Allison Goheen(Darrin), Claire Hoekema(Nathan), Matthew Sims(Olivia), Zack Kirchin(Catherine), Addison Corriher(Taylor), Jason Sims, Georgia Kirchin, Haley Sims, Callie Kirchin and Sydney Sims; nine great-grandchildren with two more to be born in 2023; sisters-in-law Eleanor Andrews, Fran Sims and Suzanne Sims; many nieces, nephews, and cousins. Mom was a giving, kind, loving person always doing for others. Even in death she is going to continue giving. She wanted to donate her body for research. Her body is being gifted to Duke Medical School where she will become a silent teacher. Mother’s ashes will be inurned at St. John’s Lutheran Church’s columbarium following her time at Duke. We would like to sincerely thank all those who have called, prayed, sent text messages, flowers, and food. Your tender loving care meant more than we can ever say. Millie Campbell, briefly was a part time caregiver for mom and we were grateful for her help. She did everything she could for mother. We would also like to thank Trellis Hospice for guiding us through this journey, especially mom’s compassionate nurse, Alex Craver. Mother’s children and spouses worked as a team to care for her in her later years, each doing all they could. A family foundation was created years ago that contributes to nonprofits and charities both locally, nationally and internationally. Memorials may either be made to this foundation: Joe L. & Hester M. Sims Family Foundation, 1475 Corriher Springs Rd. China Grove, NC 28023, attention Barbara Corriher or to St. John’s Lutheran Church, 200 W. Innes St. Salisbury, NC 28144. A memorial service will be held at St. John’s Lutheran Church at 2:00 Thursday, March 2, in the main sanctuary. The visitation and reception will follow in the church’s fellowship hall. Finally, mother’s favorite scripture and motto was This is the day the Lord hath made; We will rejoice and be glad in it. We ask each of you to go forward and follow our mother’s motto as well. Rest in peace sweet Mommy, good and faithful servant. Summersett Funeral Home is serving the Sims family. Online condolences may be made at www.summersettfuneralhome.com.

Barbara Anne Baker Sims

March 24, 1937 - February 26, 2023