Mary M. Sims

     Mary Magdalene (Generette, Banks, Johnson) Sims, affectionally known as “Mom, Nana, Aunt Mary, Cousin Mary and Ms. Mary, peacefully passed away at the age of 86, in Lancaster, Pa on May 17, 2019 with family by her side.  Mary was born in York, Pa on November 15, 1932 to her loving Parents, the late Reverend Edward and Marie (Abel) Generette.  Mary graduated from William Penn Senior High School and went on to attend Penn State University to further her education in Dietary.  She worked at York Hospital (Wellspan) for 30+ years until she retired. As a Dietary Supervisor Mary was the first to implement all employees to wear plastic gloves when handling food. Mary was an avid bowler, a crafter, traveler, giver and coordinator . She kept herself busy making crafts and gave them away to people she loved just because. Mary traveled to Ghana Africa and Canada with her late sister Eddie Mae. With a passion for coordinating she joyfully planned the annual Generette family reunion for many years. Mary is known for energetically volunteering herself to make good things happen. She enjoyed sharing the family history to visitors and the younger generations. Mary would often say “I am firm like my dad and fair like my mom.” , and those of us who knew Mary knows “that ain’t nothing but the truth!”. Mary was very giving to her family and friends in their time of need. She had a loving passion to serve her community. In the Parkway community she organized a group for young girls and taught them how to bake healthy snacks during their summer breaks. She also organized a neighborhood liter pick up club to teach the youth of  South Penn Street how to work together and keep the neighborhood clean. Mary was a faithful and lifetime member of Bethel A.M.E Church in York, PA. She was the President of the Missionary Society and a member of the Stewardess Board.  Mary always found strength and comfort in singing her favorite song ”Don’t worry about it, God knows all about it”. She was known to have a great sense of humor with a great amount of sass. Mary was truly loved, respected and will be missed.

      She was predeceased by her parents, Rev. Edward and Marie (Abel) Generette. Sisters; Eddie Mae Shine-Sinclair and Linda Hawkins. Brothers; Gregg, Joseph(Joe), Ervin, Donald (Duck), Edward (Buck) Generette and William (Mickey) Baxter.

     Mary leaves to cherish her memories, a son, Carlos (Carol) Banks of York, PA; a daughter, Pamela (Ellwood) Banks-Davis of Kirkwood, PA;  5 sisters, Myrtle Legotte, Joyce Rice, Sonia Smikle, Ann Edwards, Henrietta Rascoe, PA; 5 Brothers, David Hill, NY, Robert Jackson, MA, Kevin White, CA, Roy Maxfield and Larry Bay, PA; 11 grandchildren; Rebekah Kovalchick, PA,  Damaine, GA, Kiiya, NV, Taka Kahn, Asasii, Ishnii, Azii Jah, Adonysha, Zebulun, Amasa, and Masata Sweeney of PA. ;24 great grandchildren. A host of nephews, nieces, cousins and friends.

      A Celebration of Life Service will be held on May 31, 2019 at 1:00pm at the Gladfelter Funeral Home, Inc. 822 East Market Street, York, PA 17403.  Family and friends will be officiating and sharing memories during this time.