Lanita Sims
Godfrey | Save
Lanita Marie Sims, 78, passed away on November 1, 2020.
She was born on August 9, 1942 in West Frankfort, IL the daughter of James E. & Clara Marie (Baker) O’Dell. She was the daughter of a coal mining family. She grew up in Christopher and Mulkeytown located in Southern Illinois and attended Ottawa High School until she graduated in 1960.
She married Thomas Lee Sims on August 7, 1971.
Lanita retired after having taught music for over 30 years in the Alton District. She loved teaching so much she continued part-time in the Southwestern School District and St Boniface Catholic Church in Edwardsville. Lanita was also the pianist, organist, and choir director at several churches around Alton. Over the years she led children’s choir groups, sang in the Alton Choral Society and played in the Alton Handbell Choir touching the lives of thousands of people. She was a member of JOB’s Daughters, Red Hat Ladies and Beta Sigma PHI sorority.
She was a loving and devoted mother and grandmother. She loved her family so much. Her grandkids were her pride and joy. She loved laughing and spending time with them. Lanita was also known for her love of travel.
She is survived by her brother, James O’Dell Jr. of Godfrey, IL, her son and daughter-in-law, Matthew & Rodelia Sims of Aiken, South Carolina, daughter and son-in-law, Leah & Jimmie Kuehnel of Grafton, IL and her grandchildren: Jett Sims, Phoenix Sims, Warren Mathews Sims, Camila Sims, Thomas Kuehnel and Alexander Kuehnel.
She is preceded in death by her parents and her husband, Tom in 1987.
Lanita will be missed greatly – always sharing her love of music and her fantastic humor. She was an amazing women and friend.
Visitation will be from 4 PM until time of service at 6:30 PM on Thursday, November 5, 2020 at Elias, Kallal and Schaaf Funeral Home in Godfrey, IL. Reverend David Brown will be officiating.
A private graveside service will be held at Masonic & Odd Fellows Cemetery in Benton, IL.
Memorials can be made to the American Red Cross and 5A’s Humane Society.
Online condolences and guest book may be found at www.eliaskallalandschaaf.com
Elias, Kallal & Schaaf Funeral Home
