Ilavann Hansen Sims

Ilavann Hansen Sims, 99, of Valdosta died on Tuesday, September 10, 2013, at Langdale Place. Born in Argyle, on January 29, 1914, she was the daughter of the late Guilford and Caroline Virginia Martin Ratliff. Ilavann spent her early years in Argyle and moved to Adel when she was a teenager where she graduated from Cook County High School as Valedictorian. After WWII, she moved to Valdosta and worked for the J.N. Bray Company and later for Valdosta State College in the Registrar's College. However, her main vocation in life was as a wife, mother and grandmother at which she excelled. She dedicated her life to raising and loving her 6 children, and then being an example and matriarch for her grandchildren, nieces, nephews and extended family.
An accomplished bridge player, Ilavann often participated in tournaments and duplicate bridge. She was also a member of several bridge clubs, one that lasted for over 50 years. She was active in the Officers' Wives Club at Moody Air Force Base, and at bases in Michigan and California. Ilavann committed her life to the Lord at an early age, and never wavered. She was a dedicated member of the Park Avenue United Methodist Church and the Christian Home Builders Sunday School Class for almost 60 years.
Survivors are her daughter and son in law, Rosemary and Lee Greer of Sacramento, California,
son and daughter in law, David and Elizabeth Hansen of Montgomery, Alabama, daughter, Kathryn Hansen of San Antonio, Texas, daughters and sons in law, Jan and Tom Stump of Lake Park, Jeanne and Richard Cowart , Leslie and Frank Strickland of Valdosta; grandchildren, Beth ( Randy) Coggins, Greg (Denise) Greer, Doug (Sabina) Greer, Ginger (John) Heidbreder, John (Julie) Hansen, Kristen Hansen, Ashley Stump, Shannon (Walt) Bazemore, Zachary (Amy) Cowart, Justin Cowart, Adam (Julie) Cowart, Ben Cowart, Anna Cowart, Frank Adams Strickland, Rebecca Spencer) Provow; twenty seven great grandchildren, three great great grandchildren; numerous nieces and nephews. She was preceded in death by a grandson, Jarrod Stump, great grandson, Tanner Stump, four sisters and five brothers.


Funeral services will be held on Friday, September 13, 2013, at 11:00 a.m. at Park Avenue United Methodist Church. Reverend V.L. Daughtry and Reverend Hale Bishop will officiate. The family will receive friends at the church on Friday from 10:00 a.m. until service time. Flowers will be accepted or donations may be made to Park Avenue United Methodist. Condolences may be made online at www.mclanecares.com.


Funeral Home:
Carson McLane Funeral Home
2215 North Patterson Street
Valdosta, GA
US 31602