Marilyn Jane Sims
Marilyn Jane (Hicks) Sims was born January 26, 1931 in Oklahoma City to Dr. C.A. and Atha (Meadors) Hicks of Holdenville, Oklahoma. She passed away April 18, 2022 at Villagio Assisted Living Center in Oklahoma City at the age of 91.
Marilyn grew up in Holdenville and graduated Holdenville High School in 1949. She received an Associate of Arts degree from Missouri’s Christian College in 1951, where she was a member of the Organist Guild, and Choral Clubs, and was president of the Radio Guild. She received her bachelor’s degree from the University of Oklahoma in 1953, where she majored in Spanish and minored in English and French. She was a member of the Phi Zeta Kappa sorority.
On July 10, 1953, she married Bill E. Sims, also of Holdenville. Bill and Marilyn moved to the Belle Isle neighborhood in Oklahoma City in 1957, where they would raise three children, Mike, Linda, and Laura.
Marilyn was active in her church, for many years with Nichols Hills Baptist Church, and later in life at All Souls Episcopal Church near her home. She served for many years as a chaplain at the Oklahoma State Fair. Marilyn loved to play the baby grand piano she received as a child from her parents, and she cherished it throughout her life. She played piano for church youth choirs and as a volunteer at local nursing homes. She also sang in the adult choir at Nichols Hills.
Marilyn was active in politics. She was a member of the College League of Women Voters, and the Federation of Young Republicans. She attended several GOP national conventions with husband Bill. She also enjoyed participating in the annual Red Bud Classic and was proud of her medals.
Bill preceded her in death in 1991. Marilyn continued to look forward to large family Christmas dinners at her home, and watching her grandchildren and great-grandchildren grow. She was very proud of her family.
Marilyn is survived by son Michael (Joni), daughters Linda Housley and Laura Mathes (Steve), four grandchildren, Megan Mitchell (Joseph), Drake Housley (Chelsea Scott), Katie Sims, and Jessica Mathes, five great-grandchildren, Olivia Edwards, and Jackson, Christian, Greyson, and Madison Mitchell, as well as Ben Housley.
The family would like to thank Marilyn’s long-time caregiver and friend, Sharon Weliver, whose love and care enriched Marilyn’s life for many years. The family would also like to thank management and staff of Villagio for their love, care and attention the last years of Marilyn’s life, as well as Kayla from Suncrest Hospice, for her compassion for Marilyn, and expert guidance for her family during the final months.
Funeral service will be held Friday, April 22, 2022, 10:00 am at Hahn-Cook/ Street & Draper Funeral Directors, 6600 Broadway Extension, Oklahoma City, OK. Graveside service will be held at the Holdenville Cemetery, Holdenville, OK at 2:00 p.m.