Essie Mae (Robinson) Mims

Essie Mae Mims was born May 28, 1931 in Autauga County Alabama, to the late Sallie Debardelaben and Buford Robinson. She departed her earthly home on Friday March 12, 2021. For 89 years, she was a loving daughter, sister, devoted wife, and wonderful mother. Essie reigned as the true matriarch of her family. She was a peacekeeper often calming and diffusing any situation before allowing it to escalate.

She was married to the love of her life, James Thomas Mims, who preceded her in death, on February 17, 2020. It was a union of 63 loving and devoted years.

Essie Loved the holiday seasons, though her favorite, by far, was Christmas. There was greater pleasure for her, than decorating her home for the holidays. She always wanted he tree up on Thanksgiving night. She thrived on big family gatherings, during holidays, and her greatest joy was having her children and grandchildren near during this time.

Celebrating her grandchildren's birthday gave her such joy and happiness. She was blessed with a large and loving family and she was the elder of five living generations in her family.

 Essie accepted Christ at an early age and joined the Bethesda Missionary Baptist Church. She later united with Friendship Missionary Baptist Church where she was a faithful member until her health started to decline. She was a devoted servant of the usher ministry.

Essie enjoyed life and never shielded away from telling others about it. One of her favorite past times was reading her bible. Family and visitors knew that she loved quoting scripture and speaking of her love for the Lord. Even with her failing memory, she never lost her memory of God, his holy words, or her love for him. She was heard quoting her favorite scripture, the 23^rd  Psalm, in her final days.

Essie loved shopping and spent many hours out shopping with her girls. She loved clothes and was very conscientious of her looks and dress. She was an excellent cook. She enjoyed cooking big Sunday dinners for her family and anyone in the community who often stopped by for a plate. She was known throughout the community for her famous Macaroni and Cheese.

Others preceding her in death were: six brothers: Charlie, Willie, Robert, Booker T, and Ernest Debardelaben, and David lee Goodson, four sisters: Estella Golson, Estoria Debardelaben, Laura Broadnax, and Katie Tyus, and several in-laws and nephews.

Essie leaves to cherish her memories seven devoted children: Ercile (Ernest) Henderson, Prattville, AL., Janice Knox, Troy, AL., Virginia Davis, Autaugaville, AL., Mark (Regina) Mims, Montgomery, AL., Alexander (Cheryl) Mims, Millbrook, AL, Monica (David) Tolver Autaugaville, AL., and Greta Mims, Autaugaville, AL., three adopted children: Marilyn Mims Autaugaville, AL., Elvis Mims, Millbrook, AL., and Freddie Peoples, Autaugaville, AL., one brother: Henry Debardelaben, Autaugaville, AL., and one sister: Fannie Pearl Bishop, Cleveland, Ohio. Two sister-in-laws: Pauline Traylor and Sallie Mims, Cleveland, Ohio, a one brother-in-law: Jimmy Adams, Montgomery, AL. 19 grandchildren, 29 great grandchildren, four great-great grandchildren, and two special friends: Velma Broadnax and Teresa King, and a host of nieces, nephews, relatives, and friends.

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