Lillian L. Sims

On July 7, 1920, in a small town called Whaleyville, Virginia, a precious baby girl, LILLIAN DOLES, was born to the late Rev. Rodgie Doles and Lara Bell Stephenson. She was the fifth child of this union and was given her mother’s name, Lara as her middle name. She was preceded in death by her parents, brothers and sisters, William Doles, Jesse Doles, Johnnie Doles, Ruth Simpson, Olivia Clemmons and Geraldine Parsons. She was raised in a God-fearing Christian home and accepted Christ as her personal Savior at an early age. She attended school in Whaleyville, Virginia. She was very ambitious and therefore developed many talents and skills that became very useful later in her life. She designed slipcovers, made soft stone carvings, was a fine seamstress, mastered the art of knitting, and wrote and directed many Christian dramatic plays. Most of all, she loved the Lord and exemplified it by taking every opportunity she had to share with others the good news of Christ, shouting and giving God the highest praises. At the age of 16, she met the late Octavis Dickens, Sr. and they became married and move to Baltimore, Maryland. After 15 years of marriage, Octavis Dickens, Jr., was born out of this union. Oh the joy that filled her heart when God answered her prays and blessed her with her only son, that she effectionally called O.T. Lillian and Octavis attended the Rehoboth Church of God in Christ where her love for God involved her in many organizations and committees. Later her husband became Bishop of his own church in Warwick, Maryland (Rehoboth Warwick). Lillian Dickens than became not only a bishop’s wife, but a devoted missionary. Became of her love for the Lord and the Church, she became actively involved and served as chairperson of many auxiliaries: Young Married Women, Purity Class, Missionary Club and Sunday School teacher. She was also musically talented, often playing the piano for church services if no one was available. She appointed herself as the Welcome Committee greeter, welcoming all with a warm genuine smile and heart-felt love. Years after the passing of the Bishop Octavis Dickens, she married the late Deacon Horace Sims and they were married for three years. Lillian was very loving and was always lending a hand to help others in need. She help raised 13 foster children: Albert Williams, Bryant Winegan, Bobo, Connie Blake, Larry Blake, Raymont Brown, and others. In the later part of her Christian journey, she joined Transformation Church of God, where she continue to enjoy the love of the Lord using her leadership skills and testimony to all who came into her path. She became the leader and president of the Annual Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr., celebration and the Widower’s Group. She continued that membership until her health declined. Lillian leaves to cherish her memory: her son, Octavis Dickens, Jr.; her stepson, Horace Sims, Jr. and other in-laws; two grandchildren, Michael Donte Dickens and Tikeya Johnson; three great-grandchildren, Michael Dickens Jr., Caranita Dickens and Tyhiem Johnson; one daughter-in-law, Donnisha Mouldon; three sisters, Helen Credle of Portsmouth, Virginia, Naomi Sellers of Hampton, Virginia and Vernell Blowe of Portsmouth, Virginia; and one brother, Lorenzo Doles of Colonial Heights, Virginia; two sisters-in-law, Jessie Doles and Ugertha Doles; and a special friend, Lenora Wright.

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Lillian L. Sims

July 7, 1920 - January 26, 2011