Mary Helen Sims Percy
With hearts full of love and cherished memories, we celebrate the life of Mary Helen Sims Percy, who was born on October 3, 1932, to Henry and Lola Sims in Chattanooga, Tennessee. On Sunday, February 2, 2025, surrounded by her beloved family, God called her home to eternal rest.
Mary was educated in the Chattanooga Public School system and attended Booker T. Washington School. She later met and married Joe Love Percy Sr., who preceded her in death.
Mary accepted the Lord at an early age and was baptized at Westside Baptist Church under the leadership of Pastor J.C. Bonner, III. She later moved her membership to First Baptist Church of Hixson under the leadership of Rev. John E. Dearing serving faithfully in the Youth and Children’s Ministry, the Willing Workers, and Missionary Ministry.
Mary dedicated many years of service to the McConnell and Sompayrac families before relocating to Cleveland, Ohio, where she worked for the Frankalite Company for 20 plus years until her retirement. While in Cleveland, she became a devoted member of Mt. Nebo Baptist Church, faithfully serving on the Usher Board and Missionary Board. Upon returning to Chattanooga, she reunited with First Baptist Church of Hixson, under the leadership of the late Elder Oliver D. Bouie, where she continued her faithful service in the Usher, Missionary, and Culinary Ministries.
Mary was preceded in death by her parents; sons, Larry Sims, and Joe Percy Jr.; son-in-law, Dickie Darby; siblings, John Sims, Carrie Davis, Henry Sims, Jerry Sims, Terry Sims, Dorothy L. Henry, and Betty Jo Sims.
She leaves behind a legacy of love and faith, cherished by her children, Ralph Williams, Janice Darby of Cleveland, OH; James Percy, Jo Ann Percy, Coleman Percy, Henry Percy, Lola (William) Gibbs, Mark Percy, and Lucinda Percy Sandridge, all of Chattanooga, TN. She is also lovingly remembered by her 16 grandchildren: Lakisha Percy, LaToya Percy, Shalonda (Eric) Gibbs, Andrew Percy, Cortez Percy, Joe Love Percy (Chattanooga, TN), Antonio (Maara) Percy (Tampa, FL), Dante (Tiffany) Darby Sr., Ivan Percy Sr., Sonia Percy, Leshon Humphrey, Joey Hunter, Janelle Percy, Kassandra Singleton, and Ralph Herkley (all of Cleveland, OH) and James McCoy of Virginia Beach, VA; 19 great-grandchildren; three great-great-grandchildren; a special son-in-law, William Gibbs; a devoted cousin, George Finley of Carson, CA; a sister-in-law, Mozelle Sims of Cleveland, OH; special friend, Mother Lois Hurd; and a host of nieces, nephews, cousins, and many dear friends.
Mary’s love, kindness, and unwavering faith touched all who knew her. Her memory will forever be a blessing to those who had the honor of sharing in her journey.
Public viewing will begin at 9 a.m. until the hour of the homegoing celebration at noon, on Tuesday, Feb. 18, in the chapel of John P. Franklin Funeral Home, 1101 Dodds Ave., Chattanooga, 423 622-9995.
Interment will follow at Lakewood Memory Gardens East.