Mattie Elizabeth Sims of Rice, VA, known to many simply as Libby was born on May 31, 1956, to Samuel Sims, Sr. and Mildred M. Sims in Prince Edward County, Virginia transitioned peacefully into eternal rest on Saturday, January 17, 2026, at 4:21 p.m. in Midlothian, VA surrounded by family.

Libby was educated in the Prince Edward County Public School system. She worked locally for many years, starting at Craddock-Terry. Many Saturday mornings, she took my sister and me to work with her. She would stop for breakfast at Hardee's then settle us in the employee cafeteria before beginning her shift. She told us the story of how she made a size 22 shoe for "Shaq."

She loved the Lord and accepted Jesus Christ early in life, joined Amelia Baptist Church where she sung on the choir for several years, alongside many of her family members. She stayed active as long as she was able. When her health declined and she could no longer be present like before, her faith remained steady.

She was preceded in death by her parents, Samuel Sims, Sr. and Mildred M. Sims, her sister, Catherine “Poochie” Sims, and brother, Daniel Palmer, “Bebe”.

Libby was caring, strong, feisty, and unapologetically herself. She had the kind of love that didn’t just comfort—it corrected. If you needed to be told about yourself, Libby would tell you—straight. And then she would turn right around and make sure you were okay. She was a protector by nature—the kind of woman who kept her people covered, stood her ground, and didn’t let life run over the ones she loved. She believed in respect, responsibility, and doing things the right way, and she had a way of making sure you remembered it. But beneath that fire was a heart that cared deeply, served quietly, and gave without needing credit.

She didn’t back down, especially when it came to her family. Libby loved in a way you could count on—steady, practical, and protective.

Libby’s memory will be treasured by a wide circle of family and friends who were shaped by her strength, her care, and her spicy nature.

She leaves to cherish her memory three daughters: Tracey Sims-Eanes, Kimberley Eanes, and Whitney Eanes; seven grandchildren: Traon Robinson (Kim), Darrius Copeland, Jhayla Robinson, Jasmine Robinson, ZaMya Eanes, Jamirra Paige, and Isaiah Eanes, whom she lovingly called “Buddy”; and four great-grandchildren: Faith, Traon Jr., James, and Jaidyn. She is also survived by three siblings: Audrey Ross, Vanessa Branch, and Samuel Sims, Jr.; 2 aunts, Alice Conley and Eva Hurte, a devoted goddaughter, Lucretia and many devoted nieces and nephews, a host of cousins and a forever son-in-law, Tony Robinson.

Libby’s legacy is simple and powerful: she loved the Lord, her family, and she fought through hardship with unwavering strength.