Virnell (Duckett) Sims

Virnell Duckett Sims, 88 of Benton Harbor was born December 18, 1936 in Coushatta, Louisiana to Mard L. Jackson (Clark) and Leroy Duckett.

She graduated from Benton Harbor Sr High and worked as a beautician. Virnell married Benjamin Taylor Sims Jr. who preceded her in death in July of 2023. Their 64 years of marriage produced four children: Valerie Sims, Vanessa Sims (Judy), Valencia Forshee (Joshua), and Ben Sims III, stepson Darrell Bogan, two grandchildren: Taylor Sims and Akira Sims and one great grandchild: Montinicco.

Virnell eventually became a para-professional at Benton Harbor area schools and had many beloved students and coworkers. Virnell and Ben were also members of the In-sets, a well known social group of the Benton Harbor area. She spent the later years of her life in Ferndale Michigan, where her bright light attracted many friends as well. She loved to paint and garden and leaves behind many family and friends who loved her. She will be laid to rest at Fort Custer National Cemetery, Augusta, Michigan with her husband.

To send flowers to the family or plant a tree in memory of Virnell (Duckett) Sims, please visit our floral store.