GMWA Bereavement of Members, Officers and Executive Board
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Passing of Dr. William C. Sims - GMWA mourns the passing of one of the founding members of the organization, Dr. Williams C. Sims. Dr. Sims passed on Friday, November 7, 2008 in Arlington, TX where he had been confined in a rehabilitation center. He had previously lived in Cleveland, Ohio for many, many years.
Along with Rev. James Cleveland, Dr. Sims and others, formed the Gospel Music Workshop of America in Detroit, MI. in 1967.
Even though in recent years and with failing health, there were not many convention sessions in which he did not attend. Dr. Sims was present for our 2007 Orlando (Walt Disney World) session.
Funeral Service –
Saturday, November 15, 2008 – 10:00 A.M.
Marsalis Avenue Missionary Baptist Church
2723 South Marsalis Avenue
Dallas, TX 75216
Arrangements by:
Angelic Mortuary
1301 Teague Drive
Sherman, TX 75090
(appx. 40 miles north of Dallas)
(903) 813-1700
Condolences and other expressions are sent to:
Marian Traylor
6410 Nicole Way
Arlington, TX 76002
Home (817) 472-0297
Cell (817) 584-7124
Floral tributes are sent to the mortuary.
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Marion, Our hearts and heavy with sadness for there are no words to express how much of an inspiration Dr. Sims was to us. Please know that Cleveland has lost a pioneer but God has called another one of His "Singing Angels" home to rest. We love you and know that our Heavely Father will comfort you and your family as you continue to trust in His words that "I will never leave you nor forsake you." Cleveland Chapter Gospel Music Workshop of America, Inc. Erma McCann, Chapter Representative
To Sis. Marion, We are saddened by the passing of one of GMWA's great matriachs and at this time would like to express our sincere condolences. We know that Dr. Sims has gone on to a better place and we send you words of encouragement. He was very instrumental in many things pertaining to this workshop and for that I will always be grateful. Know that our hearts are with you. Even if we are not present in body, we are present in spirit. "rust in the Lord with all thine heart, and lean not unto thine own understanding. In all thy ways acknowledge him and he shall direct thy path." The Flint Chapter, Inc. of the GMWA, Inc. Bro. Richard Battle Chapter Representative Flint Chapter
To Sis Marion, We are saddened by the thought of not being able to see our beloved Dr. Sims again on this side of life. We will miss his wisdom and knowledge. We are a better people because of his influence in our lives. We have that blessed assurance that we will meet again on that beautiful shore. Our hearts and prayers are with you and your family during this difficult time. But you are to be commended for your untiring care of your uncle. God has smiled on you and He will not leave you now. We pray your strength in the Lord. We thank God for Dr. Sims' history in GMWA and will cherish his memories. Prayerfully Submitted Mrs. Geraldine L. Payne Academic Division - Instructor President of the GMWA Usher Unit Chapter Representative - Greensboro, NC
It was always an inspiration to see Dr. Sims at the Convention. He was truly dedicated to GMWA. I was encouraged by his determination to keep attending the convention inspite of his physical challenges. Min. L. Monroe Los Angeles
TO AID EACH OTHER IN SICKNESS AND DISTRESSON SATURDAY, OCTOBER 25, 2008, SIS. THELMA B. THORNTON WENT HOME TO BE WITH THE LORD. SIS. THORNTON (TEE TEE / MS. T) WAS A FAITHFUL MUSICIAN OF THE GREATER NEW ORLEANS AREA FOR OVER 60 YEARS. ONE OF THE PIONEERS IN GOSPEL MUSIC. THE GOSPEL MUSIC COMMUNITY IS COMING TOGETHER TO SPONSOR A BENEFIT MUSICAL TRIBUTE IN HONOR OF SIS. THORNTON ON MONDAY, NOVEMBER 3, 2008 @ 7:00 PM SHARP EBENEZER MISSIONARY BAPTIST CHURCH(HOLY GHOST HEADQUARTERS) 2415 SO. CLAIBORNE AVENUE REV. JERMAINE LANDRUM, HOST PASTORThis is an open service that will be guided by the Holy Spirit. If you are unable to attend, and would like to send a donation, (a donation of $20 or more would be appreciated) please send it to:GMWA/New Orleans ChapterAttention: Rhea Dokes5011 No. Rampart StreetNew Orleans, LA, 70117
Funeral Arrangements for
Sister Thelma Thornton
New Orleans, LA
Musical Tribute
Saturday, November 8, 2008
9:00 a.m.
Funeral:
11:00 a.m.
All services held at:
Greater St. Stephens FGBC
West Bank Location
I am so sorry to hear of the passing of sister Thelma Thorton. She was such a nice lady. I will always remember her warm and friendly persona. I will miss our encounters in March and August. May you, her natural and church family and chapter be comforted in the days to come. He sees, He hears, He knows, He cares. Anthony O. Langford Chapter Rep Atlantic City Chapter
Our prayers are with you in your time of sorrow. We the members of the Metro Baton Rouge Chapter would like to send all our prayers out to the family of Mother Thelma. And just remember that we all loved her but God turly loves her best. She will so very much be missed. Sis. Cheryl Chambers Metro Baton Rouge Chapter (Baton Rouge, Louisiana)
To the Family and Friends of Sis Thelma Thornton, We are saddened to hear of the recent death of Sis. Thornton. Our hearts and prayers are with you during this time of sorrow. For we know that earth has no sorrow that heaven cannot heal. We will remember her as one of the stalwards of GMWA and always remember her contributions to Rev. Cleveland's dream. Rest on servant, well done. Prayerfully Submitted by Mrs. Geraldine L. Payne President, Usher Unit GMWA, Inc.
It is with sad hearts that we announce the passing of Mr. Ramon Davis
of Gunnison, CO. Ramon is the son of Elder Charles Davis, Chair of the
GMWA Finance Committee and former Secretary of the Board of Directors.
Our sincere love and respect is extended to Elder Davis
and the entire Davis Family.
The funeral is on Saturday, November 1, 2008 in Gunnison, CO.
Sympathy expressions and other type condolences can
be sent to Elder Davis at:
4076 Fullerton St.
Detroit, MI 48234.
Floral tributes are sent to:
LeChot Funeral Home
920 N. 12th St.
Gunnison, CO 81230
(970) 641-1806
My sincere thoughts and prayers are being sent to you, the family of the Late Ramone Davis, during your time of bereavement. May you find comfort in knowing your love one will always be with you as long as you hold fast to the things that were dear to you concerning him. He sees, He hears, He knows, He cares. Anthony O. Langford Chapter Rep Atlantic City Chapter
My sincere thoughts and prayers are being sent to you, the family of the Late Ramon Davis, during your time of bereavement. May you find comfort in knowing your love one will always be with you as long as you hold fast to the things that were dear to you concerning him. He sees, He hears, He knows, He cares. Anthony O. Langford Chapter Rep Atlantic City Chapter
Elder Davis - I was so sorry to hear of the passing of your son, Ramon. The Great Lakes Michigan Chapter is praying for you and your famiily. We have no doubt that the strength of your faith will sustain you through this trying time. Always remember...Earth has no sorrow that Heaven cannot heal. May the Lord undergird and comfort you, as you journey through this particular storm. Penelope L. Walker, Asst. Chapter Rep Rev. Larry D. Allen, Chapter Rep Great Lakes Michigan Chapter, GMWA
To the Family of Ramon Davis, Please know that our prayers and thoughts are with you during this bereavement. Elder Charles Davis, we are praying your strength in the Lord during this time. Weeping may endure for a night but joy cometh in the morning. As you go through the storm remember you are not alone. The members of the Usher Unit will continue to keep you and your family before the Lord in our prayers. Wait on the Lord and be of good courage and He shall strength thine heart. Prayerfully Submitted, Mrs. Geraldine L. Payne President, Usher Unit GMWA, Inc
To Elder Davis The member of the Longview Chapter GMWA in Texas sends our prayers to you and your family in the homegoing of your son, just know to keep leaning and trusting in Jesus and he will bring you through this diffcult time. Just know that you have a extended family in Texas praying for you. The Longview Chapter GMWA Sister JoAnn Templeton - Asst. Chp Rep Sister Carolnett Smith - Asst. Chp Rep. REv. Reginald Long - Asst. Chp. Rep.
Ms. Marian, My life will be forever changed by the Christian example of Dr. Sims. He talked with me and taught me so much every time I shared with him at the workshops. I thank God for you and your untiring spirit to accopany him to the workshops and enable him to be all over the place. You always had a smile. May God give you the peace and rest you need and deserve. God bless you for a job of love and caring, well done. I am Audrey Y. Howard-Harris, Gospel Announcer-Oklahoma City, OK (Dr. Larry W. Howard's sister - Cleveland,OH) Be Blessed!
To Elder Davis and Family: The East Alabama Chapter of Anniston, Alabama would like to say you and your family have our sincere sympathy, we will keep you all in our prayers. East Alabama Chapter of GMWA. Thomas L. Caver, Jr. Chapter Rep.
The West Texas Chapter of the GMWA offers our prayers and condolences during this difficult time. May God strengthen and keep you and may it lift your spirits to know that others are concerned and care deeply about your loss. Sue Roseberry - Chapter Representative Jearod Taylor - Asst. Chapter Representative Anthony Jackson - Asst. Chapter Representative
