Lena Mae (Clutts) Sims

Lena Mae (Clutts) Sims, age 88, of Jonesboro, formerly of Grand Tower, passed away on Monday, April 20, 2026 at Deaconess Heartland Medical Center in Marion, Ill.

She was born March 23, 1938 to William Albert and Ethel Mae (Brooks) Clutts in Grand Tower, Ill. 

On May 24, 1956, she married Karrell Gene Sims and spent over 55 years together until his passing in 2012.

In the words of her family, she is “the world’s greatest mom, grandma, and great-grandma.” Her family was her everything. 

She enjoyed cooking, flower gardening, writing poems, and adventures with her grandkids. Lena liked to dance and listen to her music.

Survivors include her three children, Bill Sims, Rhonda (Mike) Ford, and Darla (Shawn) Fleming; daughter-in-law, Barb Sims; 22 grandchildren, Jessica (Shawn) Severs, Jason (Jenna) Sims, Paul Gaines, Josh (Erin) Sims, Cody (Rachael) Sims, David Carter, Dylan Sims, Dalton Sims, Tonya (Stacy) Ury, Brandy (Bruce) McCommons, April (Anthony) Pena, Derick Sims, Daniel Bennett, Michelle Bennett, Danielle Shepard, Joey (Adria) Ford, Jodi (Alex) Crawshaw, Justin (Kassie) Ford, J.J. Ford, and Peyton Fleming; many great-grandchildren; one brother, Charles (Betty) Clutts; and sister-in-law, Pat Clutts.

Along with her parents and husband, she is preceded in death by her son, Darrell; daughter, Brenda; and two brothers, Wilb Clutts and Don Clutts.

A Graveside Service with Interment will take place on Monday, May 4, 2026 at 11:30 a.m. at Walker Hill Cemetery in Grand Tower. Visitation will be held from 10 a.m until 11 a.m. the day of the service at Crain Funeral Home in Anna.

There will be a Family Hosted Celebration of Life at the Grand Tower Community Center immediately following the graveside service.

Crain Funeral Home in Anna, Ill. is in charge of arrangements.