Jonell Sims

Jonell Sims, devoted wife, mom, and JoJo, passed away on Saturday, July 17, 2021, at the age of 96 after a two-year residency at the Courtyards Assisted Living Facility.

Jonell was born in El Paso, TX on October 20, 1924, to Lloyd A. Nelson and Fay (Wynn) Nelson.  Jonell (Nelson) marred Alonzo G. (Lonnie) Sims on June 10, 1950, in El Paso, TX.  They enjoyed almost 70 years of wonderful marriage, until Lonnie’s passing on May 7, 2020.

Jonell received her bachelor’s degree from the University of Colorado.  She was a member of the Tri Delta sorority and a life-long supporter of the organization.  Upon graduation, Jonell became an active member of the local Panhellenic, P.E.O., and study clubs.  Jonell taught school in El Paso and Odessa for many years.  She especially enjoyed her years of teaching homebound students throughout Odessa until her retirement.

Jonell faithfully served her Odessa community for over 65 years.  She was an active driver for Meals on Wheels until age 92.  She would often comment on “all the little old ladies” that she delivered meals to and visited with – most of who were only in their 70’s and 80’s.  Mom always had a “can do” attitude and enjoyed life to the fullest.

The great joy of her life was her membership and service in the Republican Women of Odessa.  She was a faithful board member and a lifetime, avid supporter of the Republican Party.  Red politics was in her blood, and she enjoyed every moment, especially the friendships that she made over the years as a member, campaigner, donor, delegate, and precinct chairperson.

Jonell loved her Jesus.  She was an active member of the Builder’s Sunday School class and a member of the United Methodist Women at First United Methodist Church for 66 years.  God blessed Jonell with amazing gifts of leadership, grace, love, generosity, kindness, dedication, determination, caring, friendship, and service.  Lonnie was the head of the family, but Jonell was the marvelous matriarch and the undisputed leader of her family.  She will be greatly missed.

She is preceded in death by husband Lonnie Sims, her parents Lloyd and Fay Nelson, and her brother Lloyd (Bud) Nelson, Jr.

She is survived by her three sons and their wives, Gary and Nancy Sims of Odessa, Curtis and Janet Sims of Austin, Scott and Glenda Sims of Austin, her seven grandchildren and their spouses, Bryan and Kim Sims of San Antonio, Brandon and Lacey Sims of Austin, Brent and Kat Sims of Odessa, Mark and Rebecca Brittain of Austin, Matthew and Katie Sims of Odessa, Christopher Sims of Austin, and Benjamin Sims of Austin; fourteen great grandchildren, Yana, Sydney, Sawyer, Samantha, Eli, Zoey, Raylan, Brynnley, Blakely, Madison, Abbie, Baylor, Chandler, and Kain, along with numerous nieces and nephews.

Funeral Services will be held at 1:00 PM, Wednesday, July 21, 2021, at First United Methodist Church (415 N Lee, Odessa, TX) with Pastors Jay Armstrong, Karin Carlson, and Donnie Williams officiating.

In lieu of flowers, memorials may be given to the United Methodist Church of Odessa, The Bridge Church of Odessa, Meals on Wheels, or a charity of your choice.

The family of Jonell Sims wishes to extend our sincere thanks to the Courtyards Assisted Living, Hospice Odessa, her Republic Women friends, her Builder’s Sunday School class, and her special friends at First Methodist and The Bridge.

Arrangements are entrusted to Sunset Memorial Gardens and Funeral Home.  To send condolences to the family, please sign her guestbook at www.sunsetodessa.com.