Betty Gaymon was born on September 17, 1950, in Sumter County, South Carolina to her proud mother Rosa Wilder and father Forman Wilder. She attended Manning School District in South Carolina. She later moved to Wilmington, North Carolina where she continued her education.  Betty went to eternal rest on July 30, 2017 while at home with her family.

Betty was a woman of many facets and full of life and energy. Even in her sickness she had the daunting ability to make you laugh and smile. Her zeal for life allowed her to be a sharp dresser and memorable to all she met. Her love for God and her relationship with God allowed her to open her home to many throughout her life. She loved all she encountered. She was not only a natural mother of eight children but she adopted and loved on so many more through her life.

Betty was best known to all as “Mama.” She was a dedicated wife, mother, and friend. Mama treated everyone like family and no one was a stranger for very long. She was a skilled caterer, excellent in arching eyebrows, braiding hair and providing good spiritual and life experience counseling. Mama knew how to touch the most spiritual, emotional, and personal parts of those God allowed to become a part of her life and her family.  Mama knew how to feed your stomach and your soul. She would feed you, pray for you, fuss at you and make you laugh all at the same time.

She was known throughout the neighborhood and church for feeding the multitudes, just like Jesus did. Many times not having nearly enough but by the grace of God she was able to feed all and still have leftovers. Never giving you scraps but the very fine cuts of meats and vegetables. Although she was sweet as pie, mama would get you together, but if you mess with her family Betty would get you together. She was a protector, fighter, nurturer, compassionately she wanted what was best for everyone.

Betty was united in holy matrimony to Kenneth Sims Sr. She gave birth to eight children, which she and Kenneth raised together in love and holiness. She truly believed in the words God, Family and Job. Mama loved the babies and thoroughly enjoyed all of her grand children and great-grand children. Family dinners, family travels, holidays and supporting each other were things she whole-heartedly believed in. She was a member of Fresh Wind Ministry under Pastor Brad A. Pratt with her husband.

Betty was preceded in death by her mother, Rosa Wilder and father Ferman Wilder; mother in-law, Lula Mae Bowen; daughter, Zenobia Johnson-Duckworth (Anthony Sr.)and son Michael Johnson (Stephanie); grandson, Frederick Johnson, and great-granddaughter Grace Johnson. God-Sisters; Lois, Minnie; Sister-in law, Denise.

Betty leaves her legacy to her husband Kenneth Sims Sr.; Sister/Cousin Lula Dyson. Children, Brenda (Charlie), Lee (Robin), Jacqueline, Kenneth Jr., (Nettina), Kim (Michael Sr.), Karena (Michael Sr.), Courtney (Rodney), Kellie (Anthony). Grandchildren: preceding her in death Frederick (Fred), Jacques, Jacquettae (Richard), Ja’Vaughn (Niela), Amanda, Anthony Jr., (Ruth Ann), David, Michael Jr., Daniel, Tahniyzah, Tamaira, Mikyhha, Teli’a, Mya, Mi’Kayla. Marian, Cristan, Michael Jr., “Joe”, Kenneth III, Mason, Mekhei, Michael III “Butter”, Chase, and Messiah. Great Grandchildren; Morgan, Javion, Ja’Sean, and Nylie. God-Sisters; Sandra Shemo, and Caroline Sankey. Sister-in law; Linda (Gary), Brother-in-laws, Jerome Willis and Gary Willis. Niece and great-niece Balynn and Taylor. A host of cousins and family from Illinois, South Carolina, New York, and New Jersey.