Gardenia Ventress

Gardenia Ventress transitioned on July 22, 2022, at Spectrum Health Lakeland hospital with her daughter Karen Shelby by her side.

Gardenia Ventress was born on February 14, 1944, in Osceola AR to the union of Archie and Cornelia Sims. Gardenia got her education from Benton Harbor, Area School, and later went to get her GED. She worked various jobs throughout the community.

Gardenia married the love of her life William Ventress on April 13, 1963, in Benton Harbor. Gardenia loved to go to church, read her bible, and most of all spend time with her family.  She was a loving person, warm-hearted and you can talk to her about anything.

She was a member of the Greater Grace Temple church under the leadership of the late Elder Hunter and the late Bishop George Dewberry, and the present Elder Daniel McGinnis. She has been a member for over 50yrs where she served as a mother of the church, and she was also a well-known prayer warrior she would pray for anyone who wanted prayer.

She leaves to cherish her memories of one son Keenan Ventress of Chicago IL and four daughters Alesia (Ron) Rucker of Buckeye AZ, Carmela Ventress, Karen Shelby of Benton Harbor, and Shonda Ventress of CA.  Four brothers Harvey Lee Sims, Bishop Leslie Sims both of Columbus OH, James Sims, and Michael Sims both of Benton Harbor. Two sisters Bernice Bloomer of Benton Harbor, and Matty Cole of Columbus OH. Stepmother Gerri Gavin of FL.  5 grandchildren, 13 great-grandchildren, and a host of nieces nephews, and cousins. A special son-in-law Robert Shelby of Benton Harbor.

She was preceded in death by her husband William Ventress Sr, mother, and Father Archie and Cornelia Sims, one son William Ventress Jr and 2 brothers Donald Sims and Archie Sims Jr.

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