Almarita (Hailes) Sims was born on May 1, 1966. Rita as she was known to all was the oldest child raised by her parents James & Doris Thomas – both of whom proceeded her in death. Rita’s biological father was Lorenzo Hailes who also proceeded her in death. Rita was a very caring & generous woman who deeply loved her family, friends, church & community.

Rita attended Collinwood High School where she participated in various activities; her favorites were being a CHS highstepper & playing softball. Rita was also the vice-president of her graduating class in 1984. After graduation she studied English at Cleveland State University for a period of time. After her college experience Rita would go on to complete a vocational program at the Cleveland Institute of Dental-Medical Assistants, Inc. to become a certified medical assistant. Rita worked briefly in the medical field before deciding that she wanted to make a change. In October 1990 Rita began her career in public service when she became employed w/ the city of Cleveland Police Department assigned to the Bureau of Communications as a police dispatcher. In December of 2014 Rita was promoted to Chief Dispatcher & worked in this position until her retirement in December 2021 an accomplishment that she was extremely proud of.

Many years ago, Rita met the love of her life Amory Glen Sims & their union created a blended family that she cherished which would include Rita’s eldest daughter Ediesha & Amory who was born several years later. Rita & Glen would go on to wed November 7, 2015. This date held a special significance for Rita as this was also her dad, James Thomas’ birthday.

There were many things that Rita enjoyed such as listening to gospel music, old black & white classic movies, getting her nails done (usually in some shade of pink), dining out (Capital Grille was by far her favorite restaurant) & singing… trust & believe no one could tell Rita that she couldn’t sing! In fact, Rita had 2 of her own microphones, she would “perform” anywhere anytime & she was nicknamed “The Karaoke Queen.” Rita also loved cooking & baking for her family, friends & coworkers. Rita had aspirations of buying her own food truck after retirement. Her specialty was baking fruit cobblers & she had obtained her LLC for “The Cobbler Station.” Rita was a devoted grandmother & nothing brought her more joy than spending time with her grandchildren whom she affectionately called “The Pumpkin Heads.”

On June 26, 2023 Rita went home to be with her Lord & Savior Jesus Christ. She leaves to mourn her spouse Amory Glen Sims, two daughters Ediesha Tynine Cole & Amory James Sims, two grandchildren Hendrix Amir Davis & Jayn Faye Williams, two sisters LaTylia W. Clemmons & Janine F. Borden (Mark), three brothers James R. Thomas (Darchele), Lorenzo Hailes (Arienne), Loren Hailes (Lillian), two sister-in-laws Babelon Brooks (Will) & Jennifer Lattimore (John), one brother-in-law Robert Sims (Senore), three godchildren & a host of nieces, nephews, cousins & friends.