Willa McKinley Sims

There are few things more difficult than dealing with the loss of a loved one.

It is with profound sorrow that the Management and Support Staff of Nelson's Funeral Home announce the death of Mrs. Willa M. Sims, of Winnsboro, South Carolina.

Mrs. Sims  peacefully departed her life to be with the Lord  on Sunday, March 12, 2017, at Palmetto Richland Hospital, Columbia, South Carolina. 

Funeral Services will be held Saturday, March 18, 2017, 11:00 a.m. at  Gethsemane Baptist Church,  443  99 Road Blair, South Carolina.  Interment will follow in the church cemetery.  Public viewing will be held Friday, March 17, 2017, begin at 2:00 p.m. until 7:30 p.m. at the funeral home.

Willa Mae was called home to glory to be with her Lord and Savior on March 12, 2017 at Palmetto Richland Hospital in Columbia, SC.  Mrs. Willa Mae McKinley Sims was born on June 11th in New York City, New York in Harlem Hospital to the late William and Jessie Lee McKinley. The two lovely parents were waiting to take their first-born home and present her with a silver spoon and she never let it go. She was the only daughter and was blessed with a handsome caring brother James, who proceeded her in death.  During her early teen years, her father decided to relocate to his birthplace.  The entire family was so excited because they had spent every summer in South Carolina and now it would be their year-round home. It was wonderful to be back around cousins and friends all year round. 

During her early life, Willa was baptized and confirmed at St. Charles Catholic Church in New York, New York.  She attended Catholic School until the eighth grade at which time her family retuned to Blair, SC.  She attended Gethsemane School for one year.  Next the family settled in Winnsboro where she graduated from Fairfield County High School. She was married to the late Ladd Sims, Jr. also of Winnsboro, SC. 

Willa Mae later joined Bethesda AME Zion Church where she was very active.  She served as an Usher, Missionary, Asst. Secretary, Financial Secretary and Trustee.  She was truly a member dedicated to Zion and was willing to donate whatever was needed, when needed, and as needed. 

Willa, aka Wil, as she was called by her close dear friends, graduated from the Popes Beauty School where upon graduation she passed the State Board and became a Licensed Cosmetologist.  Nevertheless, because of her passion for people and working with children she instead began working for the Fairfield County School District, from which she retired after 25 years of loyal and dedicated service.  During her tenure with FCSD, she worked as a Teaching Assistant, Study Hall Monitor, Clerical Assistant and retired as the receptionist for the District Office.  Wil was awarded the school district’s 2002 Best of the Best Employee Award. 

She not only loved her family and friends, but she also loved her community. She was a very outgoing and personable lady who always greeted people with a smile. She served as chairperson for the Town of Winnsboro Election Committee for over 25 years. Willa was also appointed the first black female magistrate in Fairfield County and briefly served on the County Planning and Zoning board. She was a member of Elks Canary Temple # 129 where she served as Daughter Ruler for one term and was past President of the National Council of Negro Women –Fairfield Chapter.  In addition, she was a Girl Scout Den Mother; Clemson Extension Member; Founder of the Girls Ebonette Club; directed teen pageants; coordinated trips for local youths to Carowinds, the skating rink and the SC State Fair. 

Her hobbies included writing, collecting bears and refrigerator magnets. She has always been a people’s person. 

Daye, as they affectionately called her their entire lives, leaves to cherish her ever loving memories three children:  J. Ronald (Katrina) Sims of Columbia, SC, Deborah A. Sims-Walker of Winnsboro, SC and Juan M. Sims of Columbia, SC; six grandchildren, LaToya (Greg) Walker of Baltimore MD, Cordelia Sims of Irmo, SC, Travaski Walker of Columbia, SC, Brokawski Walker of Winnsboro, SC and Ashira and Sequoia Sims of Columbia, SC; seven great-grandchildren, Kadar, Tahgee, Israel, Ariyana, Melanie, Kam’ryn, Carter; one niece, Linda Nettles of Atlantic City, New Jersery; special cousins, Mildred Coleman, Willie Coleman and Thelma Coleman; and a host of other cousins and friends.

 Service Information