Phyllis Sims

Phyllis Sims was born to the late George and Gussie Taylor on June 24, 1952 in Ypsilanti, Michigan. 

Phyllis accepted Christ and embraced her faith from an early age, becoming a devoted servant and cherished member of Abundant Life Ministries under the leadership of Pastor Jerry Jackson. In October 1972, she joyfully married her lifelong sweetheart and best friend, Ivory “Butch” Sims Jr.

Phyllis and Ivory “Butch” had known each other since childhood, having grown up in the same neighborhood. Their love story was rekindled when Ivory “Butch”, behind the wheel of his bright red 1969 Roadrunner, drove straight to her house to see her again. From that moment, they were inseparable—sharing dinner together every evening until Phyllis returned to California. Even from afar, their bond endured through heartfelt love letters. Before long, Phyllis returned to Michigan, where she and Ivory “Butch” beautifully continued their love story through marriage.

Phyllis found great joy in traveling, baking, reading, writing, and spending time with her beloved nieces and nephews. At church, she was known for her gentle guidance as a Sunday school teacher for teens and for the delicious baked treats she lovingly shared with her church family at Word of Deliverance under the leadership of Bishop F. E. Holmes.

Outside of her work at Xerox, Phyllis was her husband’s greatest supporter—helping Ivory “Butch” with his instructional classes by registering participants, handling payments, and, of course, ensuring everyone was well-fed.

Family was the heart of Phyllis’ life. She treasured time spent together—especially road trips to favorite destinations like Charlevoix, Frankenmuth, Bronner’s, and Riverside, CA. She delighted in keeping family traditions alive and found her greatest happiness in giving to others and seeing their joy in return. 

A loving wife, daughter, sister, aunt, God Mother, and friend, Phyllis is survived by: her loving husband of 53 years Ivory, five sisters Marilyn (Bobby) Anderson of Ypsilanti, Gwendolyn (William) Hicks of Ypsilanti, Sheila Taylor of Ypsilanti, Denise Taylor of CA and Marie Taylor-Allen of Ypsilanti; brothers, Stanley Taylor of Ypsilanti; Richard (Betty) Taylor of CA, Keith Taylor of Ypsilanti and Dennis (Tomasina) Taylor of CA; God parents(The Petersons family) and a multitude of loving nieces, nephews, cousins, and friends. 

She was preceded in death by her parents, George and Gussie Taylor, her father and mother-in-law, Ivory and Ruth Sims, and her siblings Evelyn Alexander and George Taylor.

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