Jean Sims-Yarbourgh, 88, of Chicago, Illinois, passed away on October 18, 2026. She was born on May 2, 1938, in Clinton, Mississippi.

She was preceded in death by her husband, Gilbert Earl Sims Sr.; her parents, A.B. Yarbrough Sr. and Lula Laird Yarbrough; her siblings, A.B. Yarbrough Jr., Georgia Tutson, Larry Yarbrough, and Glen Yarbrough; her sons, Alvin Sims (Katrina Sims) and Gilbert Earl Sims Jr. (Carolyn Sims); and her grandsons, Michael Harris-Sims (mom Barbara Harris) and Gilbert Sims Jr. (mom Joyce Protector).

She leaves behind her children, Michael Sims, Janice Sims, Anthony Sims, Sharon Sims-Long (Charles Long), Denise Sims Hicks (Renardo Hicks), and Traci Sims; her siblings, Yvonne Yarbrough, Clyde Yarbrough (Dollie), Albert Russell (Hilda), Melinder Jellum, Helen Yarbrough, Jimmy Laird (Desiree), and Bobby Laird; her grandchildren, Gilbert Harris-Sims, Adrian Sims, Jerrell Sims (Tina), Anthony Gates Jr., Jovan Sims, Devin Sims, Monyea Hicks, Johnny Booth Jr., Ashley Gates, Saja Indigo Hicks, Brianna Alexis Cassidy, and Tanaya Long; her great-grandchildren, Tabaris, Travon Jones, Queanna Harris (Moosey), Michael Harris (Mike Mike), Jerell Sims Jr. (Lil Rell), Zen Anderson (Zen), Elijah Gates (Big E/Twin), Frederick Burnett (Doot), Kaylyn Burnett (Kk/Ladybug), Jamiyah Branch (JJ/Jellybean), Armani Branch (Moo Moo), Jamir Branch (Bud/BB), Aniyah Branch (Nia), Paris Branch (Big Moma), and Jayden Branch (Jrock); her great-great-grandchildren, Logan Harris, London Percy, Lyric Brown, Khalin, and Kenny; and a host of nieces, nephews, and dear friends.

Celebrating the Extraordinary Life of Jean Yarbrough Sims

Eighty-eight and Opening Heaven's Gates!

On October 18, 2026, our beloved matriarch, Jean Yarbrough Sims, completed her earthly journey at the blessed age of 88. With hearts full of gratitude, love, and cherished memories, we celebrate a remarkable woman whose life was a beautiful testament to strength, intelligence, hard work, education, community service, and unconditional love.

Born on May 2, 1938, Mom Jean lived through generations of change and transformation. Throughout her 88 years, she demonstrated that a woman's greatness is reflected not only in what she accomplishes, but also in the lives she touches and the legacy she leaves behind. The oldest of 12 siblings, many called her Mom Jean. She was the wife of Gilbert Earl Sims, mother of .... and Grandmother of ....

A Woman of Intelligence, Education, and Determination

Mom Jean was a smart, talented, hardworking woman who believed deeply in education and the importance of making a meaningful contribution to society.

Her educational journey included attending Sumner Hill High School in Clinton, Mississippi and Arizona State University, where she completed her certification in Community Service and Public Programs. Her pursuit of education reflected her determination to grow, learn, and use her knowledge to benefit others.

As an active member of the LaSalle Street Church and the National Red Hat Society, she understood that education was more than personal achievement. It was a pathway to opportunity, independence, and service.

A Legacy of Professional Excellence

Mom Jean dedicated many years to her family and responsibilities, ultimately retiring from the Furth Family Law Office, where she performed a wide variety of duties and services.

Known for her kindness, versatility, dependability, and strong work ethic, she approached her responsibilities with intelligence, commitment, and professionalism.

She was a woman who understood the value of honest work and took pride in doing her very best.

A Heart for Community and an Open Door for All

Perhaps one of Mom Jean's most beautiful qualities was her extraordinary heart for people.

She was known throughout her community for her willingness to help others, offer encouragement, and extend kindness wherever it was needed.

Mom Jean opened more than the door to her home. She opened her heart.

She believed in helping people, uplifting her neighbors, and making others feel welcomed and valued. Her generosity and compassion were not reserved for special occasions. They were woven into the fabric of her everyday life.

She demonstrated that community service was not simply something one studied or practiced professionally. It was a way of living.

The Heart of Our Family

Above every accomplishment or achievement, Jean's most treasured legacy was the love she poured into her family.

She was our beloved Mom Jean, our matriarch, our strength, and a beautiful example of perseverance and devotion.

She worked hard, loved deeply, gave generously, and sacrificed for those she held dear.

Her lessons were taught not only through words but through the example of her life. She showed us the importance of education, the dignity of work, the responsibility of serving others, and the extraordinary power of love.

Her strength helped shape generations. Her wisdom will continue to guide us. Her love will forever remain part of who we are.

Eighty-eight Years, A Legacy That Lives Forever

Eighty-eight years. Countless memories. Generations of love. A lifetime of service.

On October 18, 2026, we entrusted our precious Mom Jean into the loving hands of our Heavenly Father.

We celebrate her beautiful life and hold close the Christian promise of eternal peace, where sorrow, suffering, and pain shall be no more.

Although we will miss her earthly presence beyond words, we will continue to honor her through the lives we lead, the education we pursue, the communities we serve, and the love we extend to one another.

For the greatest gift Mom Jean leaves behind cannot be measured in years, possessions, or accomplishments.

Her greatest gift is LOVE. 1 Corinthians 13:13

Heaven's Gates, Our Mother's Eternal Rest

Father, open Your heavenly gates and surround our beloved Jean Yarbrough Sims with your everlasting love.

May she rest in your perfect peace, embraced by your grace and held in your eternal care.

Well done, Mom Jean. Well done.

Your life mattered. Your work mattered. Your love changed lives.

And through every generation, your legacy will continue.

Forever Our Mother. Forever Our Matriarch.