Willene B. Sims

Willene B. Sims, 86, of Sedalia, MO, passed away on Monday, November 6, 2023, at Life Care Center of Grandview in Grandview, MO. She was born on December 11, 1936, in Sedalia, MO, the daughter of Wilson Brown and Marybelle (Williams) Brown, who preceded her in death.

On October 1, 2007, in Sedalia, MO, she was united in marriage to Bishop Thomas Eugene "E.T." Sims, who preceded her in death on February 28, 2012.

Willene attended CC Hubbard School. She graduated from Lincoln High School in Kansas City, Missouri. She attended business school. She worked at UMKC Dental School for many years until she returned to her hometown of Sedalia, MO. She retired from the Housing Authority in Sedalia, Missouri.

She was affiliated with many different organizations and taught Sunday School for many years. She was a board director for a daycare center and was very active in the community.

She is a member of Harmony Grand Chapter Order of the Eastern Star Missouri and Jurisdiction PHA F&AM. She held several offices in the house. She was a past most Royal Grand Commandress of the Grand Court Order of Cyrene MO Jurisdiction. She was also a member of Heroines of Jerico and Golden Circle.

Survivors include a daughter, Christy Tatum of Lee's Summit, MO; a son, Jeffrey Polk of Sedalia; a niece, Donna Cox; two nephews, Tyrone and Little (Darlene) Parker and Jaudon Cox; cousins, Debbie Fry and Willene Houston, Beverly Estill, Raymond Booze, and a host of other extended family and friends.

In addition to her parents and husband, Willene was preceded in death by three children, Curtis Tatum, Roslyn Tatum, and Ronald Tatum, and one sister, Christyn Parker.

Funeral services will be held at 12:00 p.m. on Friday, November 17, 2023, at Wards Memorial Baptist Church, with Rev. Ron Tooley officiating with scripture and prayer by Rev. Donald Givens.

The family will receive friends from 10:00 a.m. until 12:00 p.m., prior to the service at the church.

The burial will be at Crown Hill Cemetery.

Pallbearers will be Matt Sims, Dale Sims, Anthony Sims, Ansley Sims, and Jaudon Cox.

Arrangements are under the direction of Rea Funeral Chapel.

The repast will be at the American Legions Hall on 2016 W. Main St, Sedalia, MO.