Gwendolyn Gay Sims

Gwendolyn Gay Jones Sims, 82, of Hobart, Oklahoma passed away early Sunday morning September 17, 2017 surrounded by her loving family. Gwen was born on September 7, 1935 at Elkview General Hospital in Hobart to John and Frances (Shew) Jones. She graduated from Hobart High School in 1953 and Southwestern Oklahoma State University in 1957 with a Bachelors of Art in elementary education. On April 8, 1957 Gwen married Louis Sims and they raised five children: Carol, William (Bill), Janice, Joy and Anne.


Gwen began her teaching career in Denver, CO, and later taught in Kansas City, MO, Topeka, KS; and Fort Sill, OK school districts. After taking a short break to concentrate on raising her children she returned to work at the Northern Virginia Community College business administration office. Later when Gwen and Louis moved to Houston, TX, she began working as a property manager. After many years as a property manager she returned to business administration at Houston's Community College. Gwen and her husband Louis returned to Hobart in 1994 where for a short time, Gwen was office manager in her son's private medical practice.


Her love for Hobart motivated her to dedicate countless hours at Hobart Chamber of Commerce and as a board member of the Hobart Public Library and the Quartz Mountain Resort and Conference Center. Gwen's capacity for volunteer work extended to her involvement in the Hobart PEO Chapter, Fortnightly Research Club; an Ombudsman at Ayers Nursing Home in Snyder, OK and a Pink Lady at the Elkview General Hospital. Gwen touched many lives with her friendly smile, generous spirit and warm hugs. Every day there are reminders of Gwen's commitment to Hobart in her work on raising funds for the development of Hovaka Park and restoration of the marquee at former Kiowa Theater on Main Street. She loved her church family at the Presbyterian Church in Hobart being a part of the Church Session Board and the weekly Prayer Group.


She was preceded in death by her parents and two sisters, Karen Crabtree and Ann Hartzog. Gwen is survived by her best friend and husband Louis, daughter Carol Sims and her finance Tim Binghom of Hobart OK, her son Dr. William Sims and his wife Amy Sims of Hobart, OK; and daughters Janice Sims and husband Glen Harrison of Washington, DC, Joy Cook and husband Dale Cook of College Station, TX and Anne Sims of Kingwood, TX. Gwen is also survived by loving grandchildren Matthew Burton, Heather Sims, Joshua Sims and wife Carolyn, Annie Wilson and Sam Wilson, Alexandra Cook, Brooke Rogers and great-grand daughter Violet Sims.


In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to the Hobart Public Library in Gwen's name. A memorial Service to celebrate Gwen's life and her everlasting influence will begin at 10:00 a.m., Saturday, October 14, 2017 at the First Presbyterian Church in Hobart, OK. Services are under the direction of Ray & Martha's Funeral Home, Hobart, OK.