Dorothy Ann Sims

Dorothy Ann Sims passed away Wednesday, October 13, 2021 in Duncan, Oklahoma with both daughters and her grandaughter at her side. She was a devoted wife, mother, grandmother and sister. Her family was her most valued possession and she put them before everything else.

She was born August 11, 1943 in Alhambra, California to James L. and Bertha R. Blakenship. She graduated from Bitburg American High School in Bitburg, Germany where she was a member of the Honor Roll and Student Council. Known for being smart, sweet and kind, she was elected prom queen her senior year. After graduation she went to work at the American Express Bank, where she was one of two English speaking tellers whick made them popular with the American service members and their families.

In 1962 her family moved to Charleston, South Carolina. Rhere she met the love of her life, Clark Wesley Sims, on a blind date in December of that year. They were engaged in less than one month and married 3 months later. Being a military wife, her primary job was to maintain their home, raise their daughters and be prepared to relocate every couple of years. She excelled at all of them. She was a wonderful wife and mother. She was a very important part of her grandaughter's life, even volunteering at her schools, just like she had with her own children. Dorothy and Clark remained together untill his passing July 26, 2016.

She was a lifelong student and talented in various forms of artistic expression; oil painting, stained glass, pottery and even cake decorating ( which was her family's favorite). She enjoyed taking college classes near the bases where they were stationed. She felt that education was extremely important, especially for women. While stationed in Illinois, she decided to take a class on floral arranging. The instructor ended up hiring her at his flower shop where she excelled. Within a short time, she had been promoted to Bridal Consulant. Several years later, both of her daughters and her grandaughter were fortunate to have her as the floral designer for their own weddings. She loved to do volunteer work. She enjoyed her time volunteering at local hospitals and library. She considered herself a member of the "Golden Rulers" by following the practice of doing unto others as you would have others do unto you. She was always up for an adventure as long as her family was involved.

Dorothy is survived by her faithful canine companion, Rosie; her daughter and son-in-law, Lori & Mark Garnett of Duncan, Oklahoma and daughter and son-in-law, Leslie & Henry Culpepper of Orando, Florida; grandaughter and her husband, Danielle Sims & Gary Reddin of Duncan; her sister and brother-in-law, Janie & Ken Denny of Coco, Florida. She is survived by Clark's brothers and sisters-in-law, Geary & Sue Sims and Larry & Sue Sims, all of Duncan; as well as several nieces & nephews.

Funeral services will be at Arlington National Cemetery in Arlington, Virginia at a later date allowing her to be reunited with Clark. In lieu of flowers, the family request donations be made in her name to "Wreaths Across America" @ https://www.wreathsacrossamerica.org/.

Arrangements have been entrusted to the family care of Carter-Smart Funeral Directors.    

To send flowers to the family or plant a tree in memory of Dorothy Ann Sims, please visit our floral store.