Uncrowned Community Builders

Claudia Mae Sims was born on March 6, 1907 in Anniston, Alabama. She was the daughter of Steve and Mollie Johnson. She was married to Grant Sims. The couple had two daughters, the eldest daughter; Dera Bell Hanesworth preceded her mother in death. Mrs. Sims was a devoted mother, grandmother and great, great-grandmother. In addition to her daughters, she had six grandchildren, 14 great grandchildren and 7 great, great grandchildren.

Mrs. Sims came to Buffalo, New York in 1942. During the 56 years of her residence in the city, she was involved in numerous community organizations. Claudia was a member of the Y.M.C.A. for more than 25 years. She was one of the founders of B.U.I.L.D. (Build, Unity, Independence, Liberty and Dignity), a member of the Community Action Organization and one of the founders of the Juneteenth Festival, Inc. She served as president of this organization for many years. Claudia was an active community worker for more than 50 years helping others meet the needs of all people. She was active in the Community Mothers organization.

Claudia was a retired social worker. For more than 13 years she worked for Child and Family Services in the Ellicott Mall Municipal Housing Projects. Mrs. Sims received a diploma for satisfactory completion of the requirements of Neighborhood AIDS training program in June, 1968. She completed this program at the State University of New York Urban Center.

In 1942, Mrs. Sims joined the membership of the Church of God. Mrs. Sims died on May 28, 1998 at the age of 91 years old. She is buried at Forest Lawn Cemetery.