Celebrating the Life and Legacy of Mia Amari Sims 2006–2025 A Shining Light in Our Hearts
- Yanice Jackson
- Aug 2
- 4 min read
The city of Jackson is mourning the loss of Mia Sims, an 18-year-old whose life was tragically cut short by gun violence just days after her birthday. But in her brief time on this earth, Mia left behind something rare and lasting: a legacy of light, kindness, and quiet leadership.
“She was one of my first students,” shared Logan Taylor, a local educator at Jackson High School.“She had this infectious smile… always bubbly, always respectful, and never trying to get over on anyone. She just wanted to learn and be great.”
A recent graduate of Jackson High, Mia was working toward becoming a licensed esthetician. She had attended esthetician school and was actively preparing to retake her certification exam.
“She was supposed to come to me this week so we could find her free resources to take the test again,” Logan added. “She wasn’t just talking, she was doing.”
But Mia wasn’t only focused on her own future. She worked at a daycare center, served as a caregiver in a senior home, and always made time to help her younger siblings. She was the kind of young woman who showed up early, stayed late, and still made sure everyone else was okay.
“She loved children,” Logan said. “She was the kind of student who would ask to sit in a quieter room so she could focus and get her work done. That’s the kind of student she was—always trying to do better.”
Mia also carried her faith with her—not loudly, but through quiet grace.
“She didn’t have to say she was a child of God—you could see it in how she carried herself,” Logan said. “She was working for the Lord, for the community. She was living a life of joy.”
Her birthday was July 21st. She had just celebrated with an open house, a trip to Atlanta, and plans to transfer to an HBCU after attending Jackson College. She was also seeking back pay from a former employer—yet another example of her quiet determination to stand up for herself.
“She believed in me,” Logan said through tears. “She believed in people. That kind of belief changes you.”
Mia Sims will be remembered not just for her aspirations, but for the love, service, and kindness she gave so freely. She didn’t need a spotlight to be a light.
“With love and kindness have I drawn thee.” — Jeremiah 31:3 Mia lived that scripture with her whole heart.
From all of us at The Chronicle, we extend our heartfelt condolences to Mia’s family, friends, and every student and teacher who had the gift of knowing her. Her light touched many, and her memory will live on in the lives she impacted.
Support the Sims Family
If you would like to support Mia’s family during this difficult time, donations can be made through her official memorial page:🔗 everloved.com/life-of/mia-sims/donate
Every contribution is a gesture of love and remembrance—honoring Mia’s legacy and uplifting those she held dear.
Celebration of Life for Mia Sims
Visitation
📍 Burden & Patience-Montgomery Funeral Home
🗓️ Wednesday, August 6, 2025
⏰ 4:00 PM – 6:00 PM
1806 E. Michigan Avenue, Jackson, MI
Family Hour
📍 Lily Missionary Baptist Church
🗓️ Thursday, August 7, 2025
⏰ 10:00 AM
1117 W. G. Wade Dr., Jackson, MI
Homegoing Service
📍 Lily Missionary Baptist Church
🗓️ Thursday, August 7, 2025
⏰ 11:00 AM
1117 W. G. Wade Dr., Jackson, MI
Final Resting Place
📍 Woodland Cemetery
🗓️ Thursday, August 7, 2025 (immediately following the service) Jackson, MI
All who knew and loved Mia are welcome to attend. Let us honor her with the same light, grace, and joy she gave to others every single day.
🛑 Community Support & Healing Resources
If you or someone you know has been impacted by gun violence, grief, or trauma, please know that healing is possible—and help is available.
💔 Grief & Trauma Support
Henry Ford Allegiance Behavioral Health
📍 2424 W. Washington Ave., Jackson, MI
📞 (517) 205-7800 • 🌐 henryford.com
Family Service & Children’s Aid – Jackson
📍 306 W. Michigan Ave., Jackson, MI
📞 (517) 787-7920 •
Catherine’s Place / Catholic Charities of Jackson
📍 3425 Francis St., Jackson, MI
📞 (517) 782-2551
🧠 Youth & School-Based Mental Health
Center for Family Health – Behavioral Health Services
📍 505 N. Jackson St., Jackson, MI
📞 (517) 748-5500
LifeWays Community Mental Health
24/7 Crisis Line: 📞 (800) 284-8288
Gun Violence Prevention & Victim Assistance
Jackson County Prosecutor – Victim Services Unit
📍 312 S. Jackson St., Jackson, MI
📞 (517) 788-4283
Michigan Crime Victim Compensation Program
📞 (877) 251-7373
Moms Demand Action – Michigan Chapter
If you’d like to share a memory or tribute for Mia Sims to be featured in the next issue, email: info@thechroniclenews86.com
Comments