Vivian Lee Sims
September 28, 1928 – May 20, 2025
Vivian Lee Sims, age 96, of Pulaski, Tennessee, passed away peacefully on May 21, 2025, in
Nashville, Tennessee. Born on September 28, 1928, in Harlem, New York, Vivian lived a life marked by grace, wisdom, and an unwavering dedication to education and community.
Vivian pursued her passion for education at Fisk University, where she earned her Bachelor
of Education. Her commitment to academic excellence led her back to Fisk, where she later received a Master of Education. While at Fisk, she also became a proud and active member of Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority, Incorporated, embracing a lifelong commitment to sisterhood, service, and scholarship. Vivian devoted more than 40 years of her life to teaching, shaping generations of young minds with compassion and purpose. She later served as principal of Southside Elementary School, where she was admired for her leadership, dedication, and deep care for her students and staff.
A visitation will be held on Tuesday, May 27th, 2025 from 1:00pm to 5:00pm at Bennett-May & Pierce Funeral Home and Crematory
An additional visitation will be held on Wednesday, May 28th, 2025 from 1:00pm to 2:00pm at The Greater Richland Creek M.B. Association
The funeral service will take place on Wednesday, May 28th, 2025 at 2:00pm at The Greater Richland Creek M.B. Association
The interment will be at Maplewood Cemetery in Pulaski, TN
She was preceded in death by her beloved husband, Henry Sims; her mother, Ara Walls; and
her brother, Victor Battle. Vivian was a cherished aunt and guiding presence to her nieces and nephews: Bonnie Coleman, Belinda McNealey (husband Donnie),
as the late Janique Saunders and Cheryl Battle.
Vivian leaves behind a loving family who cherished her guidance and warmth:
nieces Bonnie Coleman and Belinda McNealey (husband Donnie)Victor Aaron Poindexter (wife Abraia), Mary Pearl Carter, Arvis Sims (wife Sharon) great-nieces
and great-nephews Monique, Briana, Donnie, Ricky, Aran,Tre,Nicholas and Victor A. Poindexter II (wife Sandra) Veronica Harvey (husband John) great-great-nieces and nephews Carter,Dejah, Victor A.Poindexter III, Julien. She is also survived by a host of
extended family and dear friends.
Organization Affiliation
Giles County Senior Citizens
Boys and Girls Club
The South Central Tennessee Workforce Board and Youth Council
CDC of North Pulaski
Board of Directors of the Tennessee Education Association
Community Council for the Developmentally Handicapped Inc
Campbell Chapel AMEC
Pulaski Elementary Cub Run
Tennessee Humanities Society
C.A.R.E Children are Reason For Excellence
Awards
Congressional Record, House of Representatives by Eleanor Homes Norton (Cousin)
Tennessee Teacher of the year 1984
The Cornell Martin Unsung Heros Prestige Award
Woman of the Year Pulaski BPW
E. Harper Johnson Human Relation Award TEA
PTO Officers appreciation award
Black History.com
Woman of the Year Mattie Bridgeforth Temple #1120 and the Abraham Mckissack Lodge #1489
and a host of other awards and organizations not mentioned
