Ms. Deloris Sims

Deloris "Dee" Sims was born on July 9, 1943, to the proud union of Annie Mae and Dock Donley Sr. in Pine Bluff, Arkansas. She was the third oldest of 10 children. At the age of six, she moved to Milwaukee, Wisconsin with her family. Deloris graduated from North Division High School (1961), where she was on the drill team and played softball. Deloris was a proud candy striper and dietitian at St. Joseph's Hospital in Milwaukee, WI. She studied Business Administration at Milwaukee Area Technical College (MATC) and received her Graduate School of Bank Investments and Financial Management Certification from the University of South Carolina's, Moore School of Business. Deloris met the love of her life Isiah (Ike) Sims when they were members of the Chancellor Choir at Saint Matthews CME Church. They were united in holy matrimony on July 19, 1964. They enjoyed going to church, traveling, and entertaining together. They were blessed with two beautiful daughters, Elise and Annette. As proud parents, they diligently provided love, guidance, and the strength needed to sustain a strong family unit. Deloris started her career at Midland National Bank as a commercial banker before joining First Wisconsin as a multipurpose teller. She quickly advanced to branch teller before becoming the operations manager, and eventually vice president of First Star. With over 30 years of experience in the banking industry, Deloris, along with Margaret Henningsen and Shirley Lanier, became co- founder, owner, and CEO of Legacy Bank, the first African American, women-owned, chartered bank in the state of Wisconsin. As a trailblazer in the business community, Deloris was committed to ensuring the economic development and advancement of countless clients and businesses across the city. Under Deloris' leadership, the bank saw significant growth. Legacy provided support such as funding opportunities for thriving businesses such as Lena's Food Market, Mason Temple COGIC, IHOP, Palermo Villa, and Ponderosa, to name a few, creating thousands of jobs for the city and greater Milwaukee area. She was a force to be reckoned with. Over the years, Deloris left an indelible mark on many lives, businesses, and organizations, from countless clients, board members, conference attendees, news and radio personalities, dignitaries, pastors, and church members alike. She was a matriarch, philanthropist, and guide to her family; a loving mother to Elise and Annette, grandmother to her only grandson, Elijah Jackson, sister to a cherished few, aunt to those she loved and adored, and friend to so many. Her family and the community will miss her wisdom, advice, fun spirit, and generosity. Deloris "Dee" Sims departed this life on July 30, 2024. She was preceded in death by her beloved husband, Rev. Isiah Sims; parents, Mr. and Mrs. Annie Mae and Dock Donley Sr., sisters, Bobby Jean Roberts (Leonard), Aria Donley, and Juanita Perry (Kenneth); and brothers, Robert Donley (Maria) and Dock Donley Jr . Left to cherish Deloris' precious memory and unconditional love: her loving daughters, Elise Jackson (Todd) and Annette Wince (Kenneth); grandson, Elijah Jackson; brothers, William Clyde Donley, Melvin Donley (Marva), Darryl R. Donley (Sharon), Gerald W. Donley (Marcia) ; and numerous nieces, nephews, cousins and friends who were all like family. We all know that Dee was an experienced shopper, dancing enthusiast and an avid reader. One of Deloris' favorite quotes is by Maya Angelou: "I've learned that people will forget what you said, people will forget what you did, but people will never forget how you made them feel." Please know that your presence here today is a testament to her love for you and how she made you feel.

Ms. Deloris Sims

July 9, 1943 - July 30, 2024