"Verily, verily, I say unto you. He that believeth in
Me hath everlasting life. "
John 6:47

On Wednesday, March 17, 2010, Our Father, in his wisdom, closed the eyes of our beloved brother, Calvin Winston Sims. Although our hearts are saddened and heavy, we concur that God only picks the best.

Calvin was born on April 3, 1923 in Goochland, Virginia, to the late Bennie and Grace Sims. He was one of seven children. He was preceded in death by his parents; four brothers, Herman, John, Melvin and Curtis; and one sister Margaret.

Calvin received his early childhood education in the Goochland Public School System. He was employed by the C&O Railroad Company from which he retired with over 40 years of service. He was a dedicated and hard worker.

On September 23, 1950, Calvin was united in Holy Matrimony, to the love of his life, the late Thelma Carter Sims. To their union four children were born: one son, Richard Allen Carter (deceased) and three daughters, Brenda Lea (deceased), Grace Eleanor and Betty Catherine. He was a loving and devoted husband and father, and was committed to providing for his family.

Calvin was a member of the Watch Tower Baptist Church, where he was baptized by Rev. James Leo Coles in 1990. He was a faithful member and attended church until his health began to fail him. He also attended the Rising Sun Baptist Church, as he LOVED the LORD and fellowshipped with many churches in the community. He was a loving and humble man that always had a kind and encouraging word to say. He was a gardener and was always willing to share his harvest with others in the community. He was well-known throughout Louisa and surrounding counties for his specialized skill of hog-killing. He was considered to be the best in the business and he was very proud of this acknowledgement.

Calvin leaves to cherish his memory: his loving daughters, Grace Carter (James) and Betty Johnson (John) both of Bumpass, Virginia; five grandchildren, Franklin Carter, Richard Carter and Arlene Carter, all of Richmond, Virginia, Roy Sims of Bumpass, Virginia and Elena Bristow, of Delaware; five great-grand children; one devoted sister, Constance Stokes of Newport News, Virginia; one brother-in-law, Otis Carter of Louisa, Virginia; and two sister-in-laws, Dorothy and Della Carter, of Louisa Virginia, and a host of nieces, nephews, cousins and friends. A special and devoted niece and great-niece, of which he considered his daughter and grand-daughter, Nedra Jackson and Stephanie Carter. Calvin will be sorely missed by all who loved and knew him.

Funeral services will be held 1 p.m. Monday, March 22, 2010, at Rising Sun Baptist Church 6829 Fredericks Hall Road Mineral, VA with Reverend Edward R. Moody officiating. Interment will follow in the Carter Family Cemetery.