Shirley Smith Sims

Shirley Smith Sims, 91, of Lancaster, Ohio passed away Monday, September 14, 2026, surrounded by her children.

Shirley was born on December 20, 1934, in Newport, Ohio to the late Rev. M. Ray Smith and Jean (Mackey) Smith. She earned a bachelor’s degree from Asbury College, in Wilmore, Kentucky, and went on to complete a year of clinical training to become a Medical Technologist. Shirley married Charles K. Sims in 1957, sharing 65 years of devoted marriage.

Being married to a gifted vocalist, Shirley grew to love and appreciate music and truly delighted in accompanying Charles on the piano. She enjoyed reading a good book as well as working with her hands as an accomplished seamstress and knitter. She was crazy about college football and basketball (especially the Buckeyes), anticipating each new season.

Shirley’s greatest joy came from caring for and spending time with her family and friends who were so dear to her. Her engaged presence and attention were evident in each conversation and phone call. Throughout her long life, she maintained these connections, spanning from childhood friends to college chums to relationships in each new home: Ohio, Michigan, Idaho, Mississippi, Indiana, and Kentucky.

She is survived by her daughters, Kristin Strong and Karin (Tom) Howard; son, Nathan Kessler Sims; grandchildren, Ian (Andrea) Howard, Brenna (Bishoy) Habib, Austin Howard, Owyn (Julia) Howard, Schyler Strong and Oscar Debolt-Sims; six great grandchildren; and many nieces and nephews.

She is preceded in death by her beloved husband, Charles; daughter, Laura Lea Sims; brother, Winston Smith; and parents.

Burial will take place at Wilmore Cemetery in Wilmore, Kentucky following a Celebration of Life Service, at the United Methodist Church, Clark Chapel on Saturday, October 3, 2026, at 2:00 PM with visitation from 1:00-2:00 PM which will be in the care of Hagar and Cundiff Funeral Home, 207 W Oak Street, Nicholasville, KY 40356.

Memorial gifts may be given to Asbury University, 1 Macklem Drive, Wilmore, Kentucky 40390; Hollow Rock Campmeeting Association, P.O. Box 1123, Shelbyville, Indiana 46176 (c/o Rob Aukerman).