Mattie Lee Sims Jones

Mattie Lee Sims Jones was born October 15,1935 in Perthshire, Mississippi to Henry Sims and Henrietta Thames Sims Bronner. She was the second child of fourteen children.

She gave her life to Christ at an early age. She was baptized by Reverend Thomas Bronner.

Her family moved to St. Louis, Missouri and later relocated to Sikeston, Missouri.

Throughout her life, Mattie loved church and praising the Lord. She first joined church at Greer Chapel in Sikeston under the leadership of Reverend E.G. Willis. She also became a member of Pilgrim’s Rest Missionary Baptist Church under the leadership of her uncle, Reverend Charles Thames. Later, she joined New Morning Star Baptist Church in Haywood City, Missouri first under the leadership of her father, Reverend Henry Sims, and later under the leadership of her brother, Reverend Alex Sims. Mattie was a faithful member until her health failed.

In 1954 she married Samuel L. Sanders, Sr. To that union one son, Samuel L. Sanders, Jr., was born. He, as well as her grandson, Samuel L. Sanders III, and his mother, Lila Regina Sanders, preceded her in death.

On Thursday, February 12, 2026 Mattie departed this life’s journey to take her final rest.

In addition to her parents, husband, son, grandson, and daughter-in-law, five siblings also preceded her in death, Junnie, Gleneva, Henry, Jack and Mary Ann.

She leaves to cherish her memories her son, Danny Ray (Sheba) Sims of Atlanta, Georgia, her siblings, Reverend Alex (Quensetta) Sims, Willie (Gloria) Sims, Pastor Dennis (Amanda) Sims and Delores Sims all of Missouri, David (Shelly) Sims of Oklahoma City, Oklahoma, Johnny (Wanda) Sims of Clinton, Mississippi, Verna Coleman of Atlanta, Georgia and Pastor Steven (Valerie) Sims of Raleigh, North Carolina, seven grandchildren, 12 great grandchildren and a host of nephews, nieces, cousins, other relatives and her New Morning Star family.

A memorial service will be held Saturday, February 21, 2026 at 12:00 noon at Green Memorial Church of God in Christ in Sikeston, Missouri with Reverend Samuel Gibson officiating and Reverend Steven Sims eulogizing.