Leah Marie Sims

IN MEMORY OF: Leah Marie Sims Serving Location: CRAIN PLEASANT GROVE-MURDALE FUNERAL HOME 31 Memorial Drive, Murphysboro, Illinois Leah Marie Sims, age 94, of Murphysboro, passed away Sunday, November 24, 2024 at her home surrounded by her family. She was born on October 9, 1930 to Troy Shannon and Myrtle Elizabeth (Harper) Bradley in Franklin County, Illinois. On December 20, 1951, she married Eugene T. Sims, Jr. and they spent over 59 years together until his passing in 2011. Leah received a Bachelor’s Degree in Music Performance from Southern Illinois University, and a Master’s Degree from Florida State University in Music Education. She taught elementary through high school music and choir in Florida and Murphysboro for 30 years, where she also directed concerts, madrigal dinners, and musicals. She directed the Murphysboro Community Choir in seasonal performances of The Messiah. She was a very active member of First Baptist Church where for many years she played piano, directed the choir, and taught Sunday school. Survivors include her son, Michael Bradley Sims; daughters, Kerry Lee (Patrick) Brockhagen, Jeanne Marie (Michael) Wikete; two grandsons, Evan Sims, Timothy (Kimberly) Sims; two granddaughters, Jessie Sims, Laura Lee (Mitchel) Bowen; one great-granddaughter, Hannah Sims; one great-grandson, Leo Bowen; one great great-grandson, Silas Sims; and sister-in-law, Virginia Sims. She was preceded in death by her infant brother, her parents, and her husband. The family wishes to thank her two caregivers, Tammy Boucher and Marcy Thomas, and the staff of Residential Hospice for their kindness and compassion. Visitation will be held Friday, November 29, 2024 from 4:00 PM until 7:00 PM at Crain Pleasant Grove-Murdale Funeral Home. Funeral services will be held Saturday, November 30, 2024 at 11:00 AM at the First Baptist Church in Murphysboro. Interment will follow the funeral service at Pleasant Grove Memorial Park. Friends may gather directly at graveside following the 11:00 AM service at the church. Memorial donations may be made to First Baptist Church in Murphysboro and/or Residential Hospice and/or Murphysboro Student Productions (Memo: Leah Sims Memorial and turned in at the Visitation or at the Funeral or at the Murphysboro High School Office). Crain Pleasant Grove-Murdale Funeral Home is in charge of arrangements.

Leah Marie Sims

October 9, 1930 - November 24, 2024