Anita Sims

Anita Sims was born in Chicago Heights, IL on January 10, 1948, to the union of Elizabeth Gilmore and James Sims. Anita, lovingly called “A” by her husband Clyde, was the first of two children born of this blessed union. Both parents preceded Anita in death.

Anita was educated in the Momence School District and attended Momence High School (Momence, IL) and is remembered as a bright and popular student who made friends with all her classmates. Anita attended Valparaiso University and majored in Biology and Chemistry.  

True to her eclectic and adventurous nature, Anita had several careers throughout the course of her life. She worked in the education, rehabilitative justice, community outreach, information technology, financial services, and culinary fields.

Anita met Clyde Coleman, the love of her life, at Comiskey Park in May 1976 during a Chicago White Sox game against the Detroit Tigers. Ever the one to take charge, Anita said to Clyde, “My name is Anita Sims, and I’m in the phonebook.” Clyde took the hint and called her the next day. They would marry four years later, on Sweetest Day, October 18, 1980. Their eldest son, Cameron Sims Coleman, was born the following year. The second of their two children, Cory Coleman Sims, so named because Anita wanted to continue the Sims name, would come along four years later in 1985. Anita was a devoted mother. A former teacher, she prioritized education for her children. She researched schools that would provide her children an enriching experience and joined the Local School Council to drive progress. She encouraged Cameron and Cory to explore the world, traveling to compete in baseball, basketball, tennis, and soccer. She was committed to creating memorable experiences, from a three-day golden birthday celebration for Cameron, to a cross-country RV trek for his college send-off at Arizona State, to renting an indoor sports facility for Cory’s surprise Sweet 16. Anita’s zest for life was evident in every moment she spent with her children, something she shared with her stepdaughters Pamela and Shannon Coleman, involving them in many adventures throughout the years.  

Anita loved to travel, especially for sporting events. For over a decade, Anita and Clyde took yearly trips to New York City to watch the US Open (tennis). She traveled to Australia and China for the Summer Olympics, and to watch her sons play baseball. Anita and Clyde traveled to the World Baseball Classic and made multiple weekly trips across the Midwest to follow Cory’s college soccer coaching career. Anita lived and worked in Amsterdam and London for six months in 2004 while working for a multinational bank and visited Cameron and his family in Chile on several occasions.

Anita was equally passionate about her local community. She championed the arts and athletics at Loyola Park. She supported local arts and environmental groups. She was an engaged citizen and worked campaigns for local politicians. She picked up trash and taught others to respect themselves, and their community.

On Saturday, September 24, 2022, Anita traveled one last time. Anita leaves to cherish and honor her memory, her beloved and devoted husband Clyde Coleman; children: Cameron Sims Coleman (Natalia), Cory Coleman Sims (Cari); stepdaughters: Pamela and Shannon Coleman; grandchildren: Alanys, Cayo, and Zuri; sister: Bernita Sims-Tucker; sisters-in-law: Doris, Katherine, and Rosetta Coleman, Elizabeth Coleman-Farrow and Linda Coleman; best friends: Debra Brown and Suzette Tan; nieces: JeSeka Tucker, Renee (Mahmoud) Alfraihat, Shirley, Teresa, Kimberly and Katrice Coleman and Janet (Darnell) Brinson; nephews: Chris and Othello Farrow; a host of great nieces/nephews, relatives and friends.

A memorial service for Anita will be held on Saturday January, 14, 2023 from 10am to Noon at Reba Place Church, 620 Madison Street, Evanston IL 60202. 

Please view the invite to RSVP  at   www.paperlesspost.com/go/rNp34N5SLyqq2Xf4aDPz3

Interment private. Arrangements entrusted to Evanston Funeral & Cremation, Roland F. Weis director. Info 847 866-8843, condolence and guestbook at evanstonfuneral.com

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