Karen Winchester Sims

Karen Sims, 66 of Cornelius, N.C. peacefully passed away surrounded by her family on October 10, 2015. She was born November 22, 1948 in Charlotte to Charles Locke Winchester and Myrtle Mae Biggers Winchester. Along with her parents she's survived by her devoted husband, Larry Sims; sisters Cheryl Winchester Raiford and Myra Winchester all of Matthews, N.C.; and brother Charles R. Winchester and wife Carol. She will be fondly remembered by nieces, Kelly Wallace, Shannon Lewis, Allison Moseley, Dana Blanton, Brooke Eckel; nephews, Christopher and Chad Winchester; 12 grandnieces and grandnephews. She is also survived by daughter, Courtney Sims Leblanc (Jake), and was proud to be "Nana K" to their daughter, Ava; mother-in-law, Doris Sims (late husband Robert), brother-in-law, David Sims; sister-in-laws, Kathy Sims and Kelly Cate (Mike) and their children Ryan, Haylee, and Tyler. Karen was born into a close-knit family where she first practiced her faith at St. John's United Methodist in Charlotte. She graduated from East Mecklenburg High School and Wingate College. Her first job was as an administrative assistant for Price-Waterhouse. She joined the family business as a principle in the early 1980's where she worked with her siblings for 20 years at Precision Embroidery, Inc. During her career, she developed a life-long love of travel. In 2003, she and her brother Chuck were part of a mission trip to Guatemala. In 2008, Karen met the love of her life, and as Larry says "grabbed his heart". In 2009, she became his "Beautiful Wife" and they created many happy memories together. They attended Pleasant Grove Camp Meeting with Karen's family each summer, an annual family tradition which they cherished. She and Larry shared a love of dancing, and enjoyed enduring friendships as members of Charlotte Shag Club. Karen also enjoyed decorating, gardening, and entertaining. In 2013, after retiring from Mecklenburg Eye Associates, she fulfilled a life-long dream of the art of pottery. Karen had a calming presence, and touched everyone she knew with her warm, loving spirit. She faced her illness with the same Amazing Grace and strength as she approached life. A memorial service in celebration of Karen's life will be held at 2:00pm at her Church home, Mt. Zion United Methodist Church in Cornelius on Tuesday October 13, 2015. The family will receive friends in the Family Life Center after the service. In lieu of flowers, donations to Mt Zion UMC Cemetery Fund.