Bettye Wilson Sims

Bettye Jane Wilson, “BJ”, Bettye Wilson Sims, Mrs. Walter R. Sims, went to see The Lord, her beloved husband Walter, family and her many friends, Sunday July 29th. 1926 to 2018, almost 92 years. But the many lessons she showed us in life will remain with us until we join her. She is often spoken of as a “steel magnolia” and “the perfect southern lady.” She is remembered for her wit and throwing out instructions for life when asked: “Don’t call your children kids…..that’s what goats are called”, “it’s not a couch-it’s a sofa’, black and white is the most classic color combination, and always put a little color on your lips.” “There is a clown in every crowd, it doesn’t always have to be you!” When at 9 I asked, “Mom, why do we move so much?” (Her loving husband was often transferred by Sears.) She replied, “Well, have you ever seen a picture of a donkey with a stick tied to it’s neck hanging a carrot in front of it to get it to move? Well that is your dad”…I was 20 before I realized what she meant! She played on championship high school basketball teams, but always said she “got the 13th and last jersey.” She played tennis until she couldn’t and then watched every match on TV. She loved the Braves and knew the roster better than Bobby Cox, and she loved most sports…. especially Auburn Football! Had she had a direct line to Auburn’s football coaches the Tigers would have won at least 3 more National Titles! She loved her Garden Club, Bridge, Bible Study and her 1st Presbyterian Church Macon Sunday School class. Reverend Baird was her contemporary and she loved his teaching and truly loved Rev Chip Millerand his gracious wife Barbara-even if they are Alabama graduates. She was a great hostess, wonderful cook, seamstress, decorator and at her best when a “nuclear event” occurred in anyone’s life. She was so Blessed to have all her faculties until her death. We were asking decorating and life questions of her to her last day. Two days before she passed as we talked of Heaven and her being reunited with Walter and family and being with The Lord, I thought I was so wise as I said, “You know momma, you don’t have to hang on for us.” I shouldn’t have been surprised with her reply: “I’m not dead yet, and if I’m hanging on it’s not for you, it is for me! Besides, I’ve taken care of what is most important.” I paused and asked, “Momma what is that?” and she answered, “Salvation, OF COURSE.” That was Bettye, gone but not forgotten, boy we already miss her, but she took care of what was MOST IMPORTANT! Bettye was preceded in death by her husband Walter Raleigh Sims, her sister Eloise Wilson Wilkerson, Jacksonville, Florida. Survivors include her daughter Kendal Sims, Indialantic, Fl., her son Wilson Sims and wife June Sims, Indialantic, Fl., and daughter Tracy Giamarino and husband Chris Lartigau, Melbourne, Fl.; grandchildren Slaton Armentrout and husband Michael Armentrout, Nashville, Tn., Wilson M. Sims, Nashville, Tn., Raleigh Sims, Charlottesville, Va., Graham Giamarino, Los Angeles, Calif., Taylor Giamarino, St. Petersburg, Fl., great grandchildren; Sims Armentrout. Ana Slaton Armentout, Catherine Shirley Armentrout, Nashville, Tn., Kaeden Parker Giamarino, St. Petersburg, Fl., and many loved nieces and nephews. In lieu of flowers, Donations can be made to Project R.E.L.I.E.F. In-Home Respite Care: 4676 N Wickham Road, Melbourne, Florida, 32935. These wonderful ladies were responsible for loving care and companionship for Bettye in her last months.   https://respitedonations.org     If you choose flowers, they may be sent to First Presbyterian Church Macon, 682 Mulberry St., Macon, Ga. 31201. A memorial service will be held on Saturday, August 4 @ 11:00am at First Presbyterian Church, Macon in the Chapel located on First Street behind the Sanctuary. Parking is available across First Street in the church parking lot. Lunch will be served in the church Fellowship Hall immediately following the service. Monroe County Memorial Chapel has charge of arrangements.