Loretta M. (Gibbs) Sims, 83, of New Bedford died Tuesday August 21, 2012 at New Bedford Health Care Center after a long illness.
Born in New Bedford, the daughter of the late John and Maria Louise (Coblins) Gibbs, she lived in various parts of the world before returning to New Bedford in 1970.
She was a member of the International Church of the Nazarene.
Mrs. Sims was formerly employed as a registered nurse at Taunton State Hospital. She later worked as a community mental health nurse and advisor for the Massachusetts Department of Mental Health in New Bedford until her retirement in 1991.
She was a graduate of New Bedford High School and the Lincoln School for Nurses in New York City. She was a member of the American Red Cross and the New England National Black Nurses Association. She had been honored as Outstanding Nurse of the Year.
Survivors include her children, Mark Kevin Sims of New Bedford and Deborah Patrice Sims of Baltimore, MD; a sister, Millicent L. Garr of New Bedford; and many nieces, nephews, and friends.
Her Funeral Service will be held on Friday at 11 AM at the International Church of the Nazarene, 284 Pleasant St., New Bedford, with visitation at the Church preceding from 10-11 AM. Burial will be in Rural Cemetery. For directions and guestbook, please visit www.saundersdwyer.com.