Helen Bernice Sims, 79, passed away peacefully at her home in Paducah, KY, surrounded by her loving family.
Born on April 25, 1945, in Owensboro, KY, Helen was the daughter of Mary Ellen Davis Thompson and Jerome Hugh Thompson. She was a devoted daughter, sister, mother, mother-in-law, grandmother, and friend, whose warmth, kindness and generosity touched the lives of all who knew her.
A graduate of Brescia College, Helen dedicated her life to serving others, carrying forward her mother’s legacy as the proud owner of Superior Care Home. She worked tirelessly to ensure exceptional, compassionate, and dignified care leaving a lasting impact on the lives of countless residents and their families.
Beyond her work, Helen was an active leader in her industry and community, serving on numerous state and local boards. She was a past president of the Paducah Chamber of Commerce and a dedicated board member at Lourdes Hospital, always striving to make a meaningful impact. Her contributions and influence were recognized with numerous honors, including being named Administrator of the Year by the Kentucky Association of Healthcare Facilities (KAHCF). She was also a Kentucky Colonel and a Duchess of Paducah, titles that reflected her deep-rooted passion for service and leadership.
Her faith was a source of strength and guidance throughout her life, and she was a devoted member of St. Thomas More Catholic Church, where she found great joy in her spiritual community.
Helen’s greatest love was her family. She was a cherished mother, mother-in-law and grandmother, delighting in the lives and accomplishments of her family, always offering wisdom, encouragement, and unconditional love.
She is survived by her children; Mike Sims and his wife, Darla, and their sons, Davis and Hale, Joseph Sims, Chris Sims and his wife, Cara, and their children, Palmer, Luke, and Audrey, Patrick Sims and his partner, Chad James.
Helen is also survived by her siblings: George Thompson and his wife, Judy, and Catherine Hayden and her husband, Bernard. She was preceded in death by her brothers Tom Thompson, Dan Thompson, and Sam Thompson, and her sisters Beverly Thompson and Hughleen Riney.
A Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated in her honor at St. Thomas More Catholic Church on Friday, March 7, 2025 at 1:00 PM, with visitation beginning at 10:00 AM. Interment will follow at Brooks Hill Park. All are invited to a meal that will follow at St. Thomas More Parish Hall.
Helen’s family would like to extend their heartfelt gratitude to the compassionate team at Lourdes Hospice, whose care and kindness provided comfort and peace in her final days. They are also deeply grateful to the devoted caregivers who assisted her at home, ensuring she was surrounded by warmth and dignity.
In addition, Helen was blessed with lifelong friends who stood by her side with unwavering love and support, a testament to the deep and lasting connections she built throughout her life. Their presence, laughter, and devotion brought her immeasurable joy, and her family will always be thankful for the way they enriched her journey.
In lieu of flowers, the family requests that expressions of sympathy be made to St. Mary School System or the Community Kitchen, a place of comfort and care that reflects Helen’s lifelong devotion to serving and caring for others.
Helen’s love, grace, and unwavering devotion to her family and community will remain an enduring legacy, cherished by all who had the privilege of knowing her.
