Willene "Bennie" Mims

After a valiant battle with many health issues, Willene “Bennie” Mims, age 95, passed away Tuesday, April 17, 2018 at her home. Bennie’s devotion to her family and her firm belief in God supported her in her struggle and ultimately gave her peace. She is finally in her heavenly home with Jesus and joyously reunited with George and other loved ones. Bennie was the youngest of 7 children born on March 18, 1923 to William Hiram Davis and Emma Toronza Hamner Davis in Tuscaloosa, Alabama. During World War II, Bennie was proud to serve in the Women's Army Corps (WAC). Members of the WAC were the first women other than nurses to serve within the ranks of the United States Army. In 1955, she met the love of her life, George Lannis Mims, whom she married on December 31, 1955; they made their home on the family land in Boston raising their daughter Stacy Teresa Mims. Bennie was a member of Summerhill Baptist Church, Boston, Georgia. Even though she loved sewing, knitting and crocheting, nothing could compare to her love of sports especially University of Alabama Football. Bennie was devoted to her family and encouraged Stacy in many activities from barrel racing to softball. Once Stacy returned home to teach and coach at Central, Bennie and George were there to support her even helping set up various events. Bennie is survived by her daughter, Stacy Mims; her sister-in-law, Estelle Mims; a nephew, Jeff Mims, who was more like a son, and many other nieces and nephews. In addition to Stacy, Chris Smith also provided a loving support system for Bennie listening to the many stories of the “old days” and often sparring over which team was better, UGA or Bama. Bennie became like another grandmother to Chris’ children, Gary and Taylor Smith, Ally Smith and Doug Smith. She was preceded in death by her parents, husband, George L. Mims, brothers: James Walter “Fat” Davis (Bessie Mae) and Sam Clear Davis (Essie Mae); sisters: Sue Davis Bush (Jeff), Ruth Davis Copeland (Gilbert), Clara Davis Cooper (Charles), and Sarah Davis Kramer (Irving). Thank you to Dr. Will Cooper’s office, Archbold Wound Care, all the many nurses and therapists with Archbold Home Health and Kindred (Gentiva) Home Health, and a special friend, Barbara O’Steen, whose weekly visits brightened her days. Celebration of life services conducted by Reverend Mitch Clements will be at Summerhill Baptist on Saturday, April 21, 2018 at 1:00 pm. Burial will follow in Summerhill Baptist Cemetery. Active pallbearers are Jeff Mims, Mike Mims, David Mims, Reese Brookerd, Gary Smith and Doug Smith. Honorary pallbearers are all the home health providers who lovingly treated Bennie through the years. In lieu of flowers, please make donations to your local animal shelter. The family will receive friends on Friday, April 20, 2018, 5:30 - 7:00 pm at Allen and Allen Funeral Home. ROLL TIDE