Mary Louise Sims was born April 26, 1933, to the late Henry Sims and the late Wastine Fant Sims, in Pauline, SC. She was educated in Spartanburg County schools. Mary spent many years working as a gaffer. She had a very motherly and spirited disposition. She was the eldest of her siblings and was naturally nurturing to her younger siblings. Mary was very sociable, loved to cook, and she was noted for her pound cake.

Mary loved the Lord and was a Chestnut Ridge AME Zion Church member.  She was a former member of New Hope Baptist Church, in Hackensack, N.J.

She was preceded in death, along with her parents, by siblings, James O. Sims, Sarah Carruthers, and Hattie E. Ferguson and a special friend, Edmond "Moe" McRae.

Left to cherish her fond and loving memories are sister, Ida Nell Porter of Spartanburg, SC; niece and caretaker, Melody (Reverend Benson I., III) Watt of Inman, SC; aunts, Ernestine Sims, Josephine (Clinton) Oates and Nannie Mae Sims all of Hackensack, NJ; uncle, Clyde Sims of Spartanburg, SC; nephews, Michael Porter and Willie (Brenda) Ferguson, Jr.; goddaughter, Tanya (James) Best; god grandchildren, Tarique Thompson, Jaetana Downs, and Sajae Woodley; three great-god grandchildren; and a host of other relatives and friends.

On the afternoon of Sunday, June 2, 2024, Mary transitioned peacefully at White Oak North Grove. Her motherly and spirited soul will be greatly missed by her family and friends.