Robert Doster Sims, Sr.

Robert Doster Sims, Sr.

1920-1979

Born September 4, 1920, Bob is the oldest child of Ornie Lee Sims and Mable Edwina Jones. I understand he was named Doster after the doctor who delivered him. He has two sisters Muriel Cleo Sims and Erin Sylvia Sims. Born and raised in Birmingham, Alabama, he grew up on 43rd Street. On December 30, 1941, Bob enlisted in the Army at the age of 21. He went to Shepherd Field in Witchita Falls, TX for Basic Training. He served in World War II as a pilot, and also was recalled for the Korean War.

At the age of 30, Bob married Jane Murphree. Three years later, they have a son, Robert Doster Sims Jr, whom they called Doss because Bob didn't want him to be called "Bobby." Three years later, they have a daughter, Vickie Lynn Sims.

Bob and Jane

Bob worked for Southern Natural his entire career. He was a tall, formidable man who I've been told was fair, just and humorous. Doss also says he was stern as a father, and has disciplinarian stories to accompany that trait! Bob was a talented craftsman, with an organized workshop at home. He was also a talent artist in printing. He loved his yard, his home, and his family.

Shortly after retirement, Bob passed away in October of 1979 of a heart attack at home. He had flown that day, and it is often said he must have died very happy.

He is survived by Jane Sims (wife), Doss Sims (son), Vickie (Whiting) McAuley (daughter), Candice (Whiting) Chenault (granddaughter).

Candice
*Family stories, Ancestry.com, and Census reports

Jane Adelene Murphree Sims

Jane Adelene Murphree Sims

Jane, born July 10 1927, is the daughter of Fred Preston Murphree and Opie L Chambers. Jane lived her childhood in Birmingham, Alabama, and raised her children in Birmingham, as well.

Jane's mother, Opie, passed away when Jane was just ten years old. Within a year, Fred remarried to Nellie M Boggs Dilger, who Jane was very fond of. Nellie had no children of her own. Jane credited Nellie with making her much of the wonderful mother and woman she was.

Jane and Nellie

Academically advanced, Jane was "double promoted" and graduated from Phillips High School when she was only 15 years old. In her youth, prior to marriage, she worked in a bank and would share wonderful stories of riding the street car to work and all the girls she worked with.

After marriage, to Robert "Bob" Doster Sims, she travelled with Bob who was in the military. They lived in Mississippi and other bases. (Family post and fill in here.)

Jane raised Vickie and Doss in a wonderful traditional family setting, and took care of all home and family matters. She kept a beautiful home, was an amazing cook whose oatmeal cookies and fried chicken were a family favorite, was always involved in church (Huffman United Methodist) and raised a God fearing family with very traditional southern values. She always looked beautiful, and was an avid fan of shoes and accessories. A vivacious force, Jane was filled with humor, grace, class, and confidence.

Jane 2004

At 52, Jane was widowed early when Bob passed away quite unexpectedly. Jane never entertained the idea of even dating any other man, nor did she slow down. Jane travelled with widowed friends and remained focused on family, now as a grandmother.

In August 2008, Jane passed away at home after a long battle with Chronic Lymphocytic Leukemia. She is survived by Doss Sims (son), Vickie Sims McAuley (daughter), Candice Chenault (granddaughter), Stephanie Whiting (granddaughter), Doster Graham Chenault (great-grandson).

Candice

*Note to all readers: Jane was my grandmother, and its a terrible challenge to write in an appropriate historical manner, and not call her Mama. My Mama is one of my favorite people. She was beautiful, lively, direct but loving, and one of my best friends. I credit Mama with creating the beautiful family I adore and am proud of.