Mary Elizabeth Sims was born October 23, 1955 in Columbia, South Carolina. She was one of two children born to the late Maggie Lee Sims Burton and Ernest Burton. She departed this life to rest with the Lord on Tuesday, September 27, 2016 at Palmetto Health Richland Hospital in Columbia, South Carolina.

Mary was affectionately known as “Red” or “Baby Sister” to her family and friends. She attended Booker T. Washington High School in Columbia, South Carolina and worked at the University of South Carolina in the custodial department. She attended St. James A.M.E. Church in Columbia.

Red was predeceased by her parents; grandmother, Mattie Sims; and her brother, Ervin Lewis Sims.

Those who will cherish Baby Sister’s loving memory include her sons, Rodney and Ernest (Amy) Sims; daughters, Kimberly and Erkeeshia Sims; grandchildren: Whitney Barber, Tyrone Taylor Jr., Shyterria Sims, Malik Sims, Richard Howell, Angel Sims, Ali Howell, Passion Sims, Davion Howell, Africa Guild, Jamari Sims, all of Columbia, South Carolina; very special friends, Reggie Herb; sister-in-law, Vickey Howell; and a host of other loving relatives and friends, all of whom will miss her dearly.