The Life and Legacy of 
Margarite ~tli Sims 
 
.9L{pha "-J Vecember 24, 1922 
 
Omega "-J June 16, 2007 
 
St. Matthias Catholic Church 
4230 South Broad Street .... New Orleans, Louisiana 
J'r. 5tsare-Vanl(wah, Pastor J'r. :J-fowara 'Byr~ SSJ, J'r. 'Eamuna J!L/(orcfor, J'r. Jolin Cisweskj ,..; Co-Cefe6rants 
 
 Reflections on the Life and Legacy of 
Marg 
Of a{{ the gems found in the bosom of the earth, the diamond is the most precious. In the order of symbo{ism it isgiven as a tof(gn of everfasting fove. Li/(g the diamon~ Marg was agem wfwse dazz{e and spark._fe captured the attention and hearts of so many. Jfer fove for her famifJ andfriends was unconditiona{ and ever{asting. Our diamon~ Margarite !fWth Sims, fived a fije of integrity, fove, affection and efegance. She was a {ady unti{ the end. 
Margarite 'Ifzeodora !fWth Sims was born 1Jecember 24, 1922 in ~w Orfeans, Louisiana. She was the secondcfti{dborn to the union of'Ifzeodore !fWth and ![forence ~wton !fWth. 
Marg, as she was affectionaffJ ca{fe~ was reared in 'Uptown ~w Orfeans. She was baptized and attended JiofJ (jfwst Catfwfic Church and Scfwof. Marg fost fzer mother at an earfJ age and was reared by herfather's sibfingsunti{she met her onfJ fove, her true fove, (jeorge. 
.9Lt the age of14, Marg, with herfwwing, coa{ b{ack._ftair andpetit bui{~ caught (jeorge's eyes. Jiis famifJ adored her and she became one of their own. She soon rea{ized that this handsome, hardworking, famifJ man ido{ized her and onfJ had eyes for her. On January 20 1941, at the age of 19, they wou{d be joined together in JiofJ Matrimony. 'Iogether they wou{d spend nearfJ 60 years of wedded b{iss. She hadfound herfrie~ her fover and her ((1Jaddy". Jfe hadfound his Margarite. 'Ifzey were everything to each other andfor each other. 'Ifzeir fove and devotion to each other was ezyemefJ deep that they began to bui{d a famifJ fuf{ of fove, support and traditions. !First arrived Jodie, Mama's boy and then Mama's bestfriend and babygir' 1Jiane. 
Marg wor/(gd hard to maintain her famifJ fwme. 'Ifze door to her fwme was a{ways open. ':(ou cou{d a{waysfind her nieces and nephews there, especiaffJ her fittfe prince, 'Ierence. .9L mea' apface to sfeep, a {istening ea0 or a party or two, she drew a crowd wherever she stood. fveryone a{ways wanted to k._now, ((what did Marg say?". 
Marg's famifJ began to grow and her work._ was sti{{ not done. (jrandcfti{dren began arrivingi Shannon, then 13oo, 1Jit, efta~ 'Iara, Jody, 9?.Jian and 1Jwayne. 13ut her greatest joy was her greatgrandcftifdren- fnjofi, 1(ai{a, !fWbert, Megan, 1(jrsten, 1Ji{fon Santiago and 1Jariyah.. She nurtured and cared for her grandcfti{dren rearing them to be respectfu' confident, hardworking and strong individuafs. She befieved in education and insti{fed that in each of them. Marg wou{d rejoice in their accompfishments and guide them in our disappointments. She was a {istening earj she /(gpt their secrets, she protected their hearts. She pfaye~ faughe~ and even cried with them. 'You cou{dfind her 
 
 at a[[ events important to not on[y fier c/ii[dren, grandclii[dren and great-grandcfii[dren but tfieir friends too. 
Marg's greatest enjoyment was at Carro[[ton :Baseba[[ Par~ You cou[d fiear fier screaming rr9(un :Boo !l(unJ). Sfie fived for fier fami{y to tfie e~ent that sfie did not want to feave tfiem fiere. Sfie was . ido{ized bylierfami(y, sfie was tfieir Queen. %ey caredfor fier akf_ sfie caredfor tfiem. Sfie was tfie matriarcli, tlie fami{y historian, tfie wind beneath tlieir wings. 
%e fami{y diamond lias been cut, tfie wind lias cease to bfow. On Saturday, June 16, 2007 at 4:30 p.m., tfie .9tngefs sounded tfieir trumpet andsang, rrwe[[ done mygood andfaitlifu[ servant, we[[ done. %e crown of righteousness awaits you. J) %e torcli lias been passed and tfie fegacy lias been written. :But we a[[ know sfie wou[dn'tgo unti[sfie k_new fier true fove was waiting. J{er [ast words, rr1Jaddy's just aggravating meJ) te{fs us that sfie was greeted at tfie (jates ofJ{eaven by fier caretakfr, fier [over and fier friend. Mama and 1Jaddy are dancing tfie dance of fove and happiness. %e party lias begun and tfie invitees are tfiere - fier motfier and dac :Jfossy and %edo, fier siste0 J{efen, fier motfier and fatfier-in-[aw, Moms (%eresa) and Yancy, and fier sisters-in-[aw, 1Jorotliy, Inna and 9(uby. Marg is resting in tfze bosom of Our Lord and fier fegacy wi[[ never die. J{er [aug/iter, cookjng, beaejs fove for dancing and teachings wi[[forever be embedded in our aves and fiearts. 
Mama's memories wi[[ be treasured by fier foving and devoted clii[dren, Jodie and 1Jianej fier adoring grandclii[dren: Shannon, 1<pbert (:Boo) of.9tt[anta, (jeorgiaj Sheridan (1Jit)i Chad of.9t[buquerque, 9\&w Me~coj 'Tara of.9ttfanta, (jeorgiaj Jody ofMadison, .9t[abamaj 2Wan, 1Jwayne ofSt. Louis, Missourij tier most precious great-grandclii[dren, tnjoa, XJli[a, 1<pbert, III, Megan, 1(jrsten, 1Ji{fon, Santiago, 1Jariyalii son-in-[aw, Perryj daugliter-in-[aw, Myrtj brotfier-in-[aw, J{aro[c _sister-in-[aw, o/irginiaj granddaugliters-in-[aw, Carrie, Phoenicia, 1(ristina and .9tnnj nieces, .9tgnes, Sy[via, C[aire :Faye, ']'Vette, Veronica, .9tdrianne, 1Qiby and J{arriettej nepfiews, tdwin, rrliomas, trro0 .9trno[c Larry, t])onnie, Terence, :Byron and Curtisj specia[ girfs, 1<psaand Sims Wi[aams, Canne[ Mire, Patricia Wardfaw Stamps, .9tckje 1Jonsereau?G Connie rr'regre, (jwen Piper 'Turne0 :Betty Chambers a[[ for whom we are sograteju[andhonored to ca[[sister andfriend. 
Mama restfor nowfor your work_ is now done. We'[[ takf tfie torcli and carry your fegacy andpray to see your face again in that great getting up morning wfien we wi[[ be reunited never more to be apart. We are bfessed to have hadyou in our aves. CUnti[wegatfier at tlie rive0 Peace be witli you! 
 
 A Call to Celebrate the Holy Eucharist 
 
Gathering in the Presence of the Body 
 
Laying of the Pall 
 
Going Up Yonder 
 
Congregation 
 
Introductory Rite 
 
LITURGY OF THE WORD 
 
Reading I 
 
Revelations 21 :1-7 
 
Kaila Roth Sims 
 
A reading from the Book of Revelations. 
 
Then I saw a new heaven and a new earth. The former heaven and the former earth had passed away, and the sea was no more. I also saw the holy city, a new Jerusalem, coming down out of heaven from God, prepared as a bride adorned for her husband. I heard a loud voice from the throne saying, "Behold, God's dwelling is with the human race. He will dwell with them and they will be his people and God himself will always be with them. He will wipe every tear from their eyes, and there shall be no more death or mourning, wailing or pain for the old order has passed away. The one who sat on the throne said, "Behold, I make all things new. Then he said, "Write these words down, for they are trustworthy and true." He said to me, "They are accomplished. I am the Alpha and the Omega, the beginning and the end. To the thirsty I will give a gift from the spring of life-giving water. The victor will inherit these gifts, and I shall be his God, and he will be my son. 
 
The Word of the Lord. Thanks be to God. 
 
Responsorial Psalm 
 
Robert N. Cooper, Ill 
 
Refrain: The Lord is kind and merciful. 
 
Merciful and gracious is the Lord, slow to anger, and abounding in kindness. Not according to our sins does he deal with us, nor does he requite us according to our crimes. 
 
As a father has compassion on his children, so the Lord has compassion on those who fear him . For he knows how we are formed, he remembers that we are dust. 
 
Man's days are like those of grass; like a flower of the field he blossoms; the wind sweeps over him and he is gone and his place knows him no more. 
 
 But the kindness of the Lord is from eternity to eternity toward those who fear him, And his justice toward children 's children among those who keep his covenant and remember to fulfill his precepts. 
 
Reading II 
 
Romans 14:7-9, 10-12 
 
Megan Xavia Cooper 
 
A reading from the Letter of Saint Paul to the Romans. 
 
Brothers and sisters: No one lives for oneself, and no one dies for oneself. For if we live, we live for the Lord and if we die, we die for the Lord; so then whether we live or die, we are the Lord's. For this is why Christ died and came to life, that he might be Lord of both the dead and the living. Why then do you judge your brother? Or you, why do you look down on your brother? For we shall all stand before the judgment seat of God; for it is written: As /live, says the Lord, every knee shall bend before me, and every tongue shall give praise to God. So then each of us shall give an accounting of himself to God. 
 
The Word of the Lord. Thanks be to God. 
 
Alleluia 
 
Gospel 
 
Matthew 11 :25-30 
 
Fr. Asare-Dankwah 
 
At that time Jesus answered: "I give praise to you, Father~ Lord of heaven and earth, for although you have hidden these things from the wise and the learned you have revealed them to the childlike. Yes, Father, such has been your gracious will. All things have been handed over to me by my Father. No one knows the Son except the Father, and no one knows the Son except the Father, and no ones the Father except the Son and anyone to whom the Son wishes to reveal him. "Come to me, all you who labor and are burdened, and I will give you rest. Take my yoke upon you and learn from me, for I am meek and humble of heart; and you will find rest for yourselves. For my yoke is easy and my burden is light." 
 
The Gospel of the Lord . Praise to You, Lord Jesus Christ. 
 
Homily 
 
Fr. Edmund Akodor 
 
Prayers of the Faithful 
 
Fr. Howard Byrd, SSJ 
 
Response: Lord, hear our prayer. 
 
For the repose of the soul of Margarite, our mother, grandmother, sister, aunt and friend. We pray to the Lord. 
 
Margarite was given the promise of Eternal Life in Baptism ; Lord , give her communion with your saints forever. We pray to the Lord. 
 
 0 God, help us, in the midst of things we cannot understand, to believe and trust in the glory which is Margarite's today. We pray to the Lord. 
We pray for courage and faith for Jodie and Diane, the grandchildren and all who are sad9ened this day by their loss of Margarite. May his love continue to be a source of consolation and strength. We pray to the Lord. 
For the sick and the dying, and all those afflicted that they will know God's peace. We pray to the Lord. 
We remember all those family members and friends who have gone before with the hope of rising again; welcome Margarite and lead her to the light of God's presence. We pray to the Lord. 
For all that has been. For all that will be. For the gift of life of this servant of God, we give thanks and praise for God's abundant blessings. We pray to the Lord. 
 
Offertory Hymn 
 
LITURGY OF THE EUCHARIST 
 
Spirit Song 
 
Congregation 
 
Presentation of Gifts 
 
Veronica Nolan and Carmel Mire 
 
The Lord's Prayer 
 
Jolonda Robinson 
 
Communion Hymn 
 
Taste and See 
 
Congregation 
 
We Remember Mama In A Special Way 
 
Sheridan X. Cooper 
 
Meditation Hymn 
 
The Battle Is Not Yours It's the Lords 
 
Jolonda Robinson 
 
Final Commendation 
 
Song of Farewell 
 
This Is the Day 
 
Congregation 
 
Recessional Hymn 
 
Victory Medley 
 
Jolonda Robinson 
 
(Since I Laid My Burdens Down, Shall We Gather At the River, When We All Get to Heaven, Walking 
 
Up the King's Highway and I'll Fly Away) 
 
     ..z::ttE/~ 9-~om d/-z::auz::n 
To my dearest family, some things I'd like to say. But first of all, to let you know, that I arrived okay. I'm writing this from heaven, here I dwell with God above. Here there's no more tears of sadness just eternal/ave. Please do not be unhappy just because I'm out of sight. Remember that I am with you every morning, noon and night. That day I had to leave you when my life on earth was through. God picked me up and hugged me and He said, "/ welcome you. It's good to have you back again; you were missed while you were gone. As for your dearest family, they'll be here too but later on. " God gave me a list of things that he wished for me to do; And foremost on the list, was to watch and care for you. And when you lie in bed at night the day's chores put to flight, God and I are closest to you....in the middle of the night. When you think of my life on earth, and all those loving years, Because you are only human, they are bound to bring you tears. But do not be afraid to cry: it does relieve the pain. Remember there would be no flowers, unless there was some rain. I wish that I could tell you all that God has planned. If I were to tell you, you wouldn't ever understand. But one thing is for certain, though my life on earth is o'er. 
I'm closer to you now, than I ever was before. There are many rocky roads ahead of you and many hills to climb; 
But together we can do it by taking one day at a time. It was always my philosophy and I'd like it for you too; That as you give unto the world, the world will give to you. If you can help somebody who's in sorrow and pain; Then you can say to God at night.. .... "My day was not in vain." And now I am contented....that my life was worthwhile. Knowing as I passed along the way I made somebody smile. So if you meet somebody who is sad and feeling low; Just lend a hand to pick him up, as on your way you go. When you're walking down the street and you've got me on your mind; I'm walking in your footsteps only half a step behind. And when it's time for you to go....from that body to be free, Remember you're not going.....you're coming home to me. 
Richard Mahaffey, Copyright 1995 Love, Mama 
 
 OscarCJ'ejeaa !/?jus Wi[[iams Xgith Wifson Wenae[[ Jiammona 'lJonnie Lancefin 
 
.9Lctive Pa[[6earers 
Winston~ia 
'])ennis Minor John o/a[teau Michae[ 'lJavis frro[ Joseph 
 
(jeorge Sims, III chaaCooper 2?JjanSims CJ'erence Sims !Rj;bert Cooper, III tawin Joseph !ilrno[a Lancefin Lany Lancefin Xgnneth g..{pra Ca[vin CJ'regre, Sr. 
 
J{onorary Pa{{6earers 
!Rj;bert Cooper, Jr.  
Joay Sims Jiaro[a Sims tByron Sims Peny CJ'i[[man, I I I rrfiomas Joseph 'lJwayne Wara !Rj;bert tBrown Jerome Cross, Jr. Jion. 'lJarren Mire 
 
.9Lppreciation 
In the wise worcfs of our 'lJear Marg, ((It's nice to be nice ana it aoesn't cost a thing.'' Our gratituie cannot be aaequate[y ezyressea with mere worcfs, but they are the best that we have to offer. ((%an/('lou))for everything you've aonegreat anasma[[. 
 
'IIie ![amifg of9vfargarite !JWth Sims 
 
Interment Services fntrustecf to !Rgpast 
 
Mt. Ouvet Mausofeum- Corricfor of.9Lngefs 
f})up[ain W. 2{fwcfes :Junera[J-fome 
:Fine .9Lrts Center- 1733 Constantinop[e Street