Roslyn Sims passed away March 7, 2018, after a brief illness. She was at home surrounded by loved ones in accordance with her wishes.
Sims was originally from New York City, the only child of Morris and Ann Wunthall, Jewish immigrants from Poland. “Roz” as she was known moved to Youngstown after World War II, where she became involved in the labor and civil rights movements. There she met her future husband, the late Joseph Sims, during a struggle to desegregate South Side swimming pool, led by Dorothy Boswell, Pauline Taylor and the youth wing of Henry Wallace’s Progressive Party.
Joseph and Roslyn Sims had six children, the late Dr. Carl Sims of Youngstown, Joseph Sims Jr. of New York City (Senior Editor at People’s World), Robbie Sims of Youngstown, Miriam Sims-Warren of Cleveland, Daniel Sims of Youngstown, and Frederick Douglass Sims of Youngstown. In addition, Sims leaves many loving grandchildren and great-grandchildren.
Roslyn Sims was a graduate of Youngstown State University and worked as a librarian at Jefferson School. She was very active in working to improve the lives of Youngstowners and belonged to many organizations, among them the Youngstown Club of the Communist Party USA, Coalition of Black Trade Unionists, Welfare Rights Organization, and AFSCME Council 8 Retirees.
A proud trade unionist, Sims was a candidate for City Council of Youngstown and Mahoning County Commissioner.
An outpouring of memories came from neighbors, comrades and friends:
“She was warm to me and my brother when we were children, I only fully appreciated all that she did for our community as I got older. Her home was welcoming and her voice was loving. I am grateful to have known her and her family.”
Eric
She was my Neighborhood Mom. Words cannot express my feelings. I loved her so much and I honor her works in the movements.
Sandra
She was a Wonderful Person! She was very instrumental in my growth at Hillman School. She took a personal interest in me and my education, helped me form my own character and become my own person. I shall never forget her; she cared for me when she didn’t have to!
Willie
I remember her as a special warm and caring person.
Carol
Everyone at Peoples World extends to you Joe the deepest sympathy on the loss of your beloved mother. You are a shining example of the love and support that can exist between a son and his mother. Observing you care for her over these past years has been both a moving and inspirational experience for all of us at Peoples World.
People’s World editors, writers and production team
I first met Roz during the steel crisis of the 1970s when the mills in the Mahoning Valley were shutting down and thousands of steelworkers were losing their livelihoods. Roz, drawing on her entire life experience, threw herself into the midst of that fight to keep her community and family together. I was inspired by her strength, unwavering leadership and compassion then and in every battle since. I feel so fortunate to have known Roz and the Sims family and to have benefited from her kindness, generosity and incredibly rich life experience. Her vision of a better world lives on.
John Bachtell, national chair of the Communist Party USA.
A memorial tribute and celebration will be held March 24 at 1 p.m. at the Jerusalem Baptist Church, 2003 Wilson Ave. in Youngstown. Following the service a repast will be served at AFSCME Council 8 at 150 S. Four Mile Run Road in Youngstown.
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