Shirley Erickson Sims, age 84, returned to her heavenly home on Monday, March 10, 2014. Shirley was born on July 1, 1929 in Salt Lake City, Utah to Darrell and Lucille Shoemaker Erickson. She graduated from South High School in 1946. She married Donald J. Sims on July 18, 1947 in the Manti LDS Temple, a marriage that would last over 60 years.
She will be greatly missed and lovingly remembered by her family, friends, and all who came into contact with her. Her life was centered around her family, friends, and God. She loved being a mother of four children and was able to be a "stay at home" mother for 18 years. She re-entered the workplace as the State Association Secretary for the Utah Funeral Directors for 4 years. She moved to Larkin Mortuary as their secretary for 17 years, and then retired to spend time with friends and family.
Always a music lover, she studied voice with Alva Woodward, and sang in many choirs, such as the Joy Singers at the Jordan River Temple, where she and Don served as temple workers for 9 years. She always said that this was the happiest time in her life. Shirley also held many church positions, such as Relief Society President, and was a teacher in the Relief Society and Sunday School.
Her love of family was most important to her. She has 14 grandchildren and many great-grandchildren. She was preceded in death by her husband Don, sister Marjorie Horne, and daughter-in-law Lee Ann Phillips Sims. She is survived by her sons and daughters, Jennifer (George) Robinson, Michael (Lori), Leslie (Randy) Freedman and Kevin (LouAnn).
We as family would like to express our deepest thanks for the love and tenderness that was shown to our mother by the care givers of Envision Hospice and Legacy Retirement Living.
Funeral services will be held Thursday, March 13, 2014 at 12:00 Noon, at Larkin Sunset Gardens, 1950 East Dimple Dell Road (10600 So.) in Sandy, Utah, where friends and family may visit from 10:30 to 11:45 a.m. prior to the service. Interment will follow at Larkin Sunset Gardens Cemetery. Online Condolences: www.larkincares.com.
