Joan Evelyn Gordon Sims left this world peacefully on April 24, 2025, surrounded by the love she had so generously given throughout her life. At 77 years old, she went home to be with the Lord, leaving behind a legacy of quiet strength, unwavering devotion, and deep, gentle love.
A resident of Montrose, Alabama, Joan was the heart of her family. She poured everything she had into creating a warm, joyful home filled with laughter, comfort, and unconditional love. Family was never just important to her — it was everything. She cherished every moment with her children and grandchildren, finding her greatest joy in the simple, everyday moments spent together.
She was preceded in death by her beloved husband, Roger Sims, and her parents, James and Ruth Gordon and brother, Don.
Joan is survived by her loving children, Sol Sims (Jennifer Sims) and Dawn Burgess (Christopher Burgess). She was a proud and deeply devoted grandmother to Faith Childers, Scarlett Burgess, William Thompson, Audrey Thompson, and Gabriel Burgess. Her heart overflowed with special joy for her great-grandson, Asher Childers. She is also survived by her siblings, Glenn, Pamela, and Kathy Gordon, along with many extended family members and cherished friends who will carry her memory with them always.
A funeral service to celebrate Joan’s life will be held on Thursday, April 30, 2026, at Hughes Funeral Home, 26209 Pollard Road in Daphne, Alabama. The family will gather at 2:00 p.m., with friends invited to join at 2:30 p.m., and the service begins at 3:00 p.m. A procession will follow to Montrose Cemetery, where she will be laid to rest beside her beloved Roger.
In lieu of flowers, the family asks that donations be made in Joan’s honor to your local animal shelter — a cause close to her compassionate heart.
Joan’s love touched everyone who knew her. Her gentle spirit, her quiet grace, and her endless devotion to family will live on in all of us. She was a blessing while she was here, and she will remain a treasured part of our hearts forever.
Hughes Funeral Home, 26209 Pollard Road, Daphne, AL, is assisting the family.
My sincere condolebces to Sal and the family. She was a wonderful person. Our friendship goes back 40 years. I am praying for you.
loved working with Joan.
she is so creative and we had many good times, she drove one of our trucks to Mexico and I rode with her. My love and prayers for a
I have fond memories of time spent at Aunt Ruth and Uncle Jim’s home in Montrose—being with Joan, Glenn, and Don, and remembering those early mornings when we’d run down to the bay, gig and flounder light in hand, when the call of a Jubilee rang down the shore.
Joan brought a special light to moments like that. She was always upbeat, quick to joke, and had a way of filling every gathering with laughter.
We were truly blessed to have had her in our lives.
Fond memories of cousin Joan has remained over the years and continue
All of our family was so blessed by our sweet Joan. She was very special to all of us. When I was the little cousin, Joan always made spending time with her so much fun. She loved animals, something she had in common with my dad, her Uncle Doug. I always enjoyed talking with her and reminiscing the old days. We will miss her and will always love her, but we will join her in Heaven one day.