Vivian Lee Sims

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 loving step mother to Derrick Coffey (wife Benita), step grandmother to Raven, Dede, Breanna, and Keaton and step great-grandmother to two great grandchildren. Vivian was also a cherished aunt and guiding presence to her nieces and nephews: 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 special friend Carolyn Abernathy as well as a host of extended family and dear friends.

Vivian will be remembered for her quiet strength, enduring kindness, and the love she gave
to her family, students, and community.

Her legacy is one of devotion, service, and profound love.

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

1. 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