Laura Sims Allen was born Feb. 26, 1936, in Edwards and passed away Wednesday, Feb. 26, 2009, on her birthday at her home. She had lived in Vicksburg for 54 years. She retired from Cooper Lighting as a cost accountant after 35 years of service. She was of the Baptist faith and was an active member of Alanon.

She was preceded in death by her daughter, Debra Ross Taccarino; and her parents, Ruben and Gussie Sims.

She is survived by one daughter, Shiela Mauldin-Brown of Utica; two brothers, Adrian Sims of Cabot, Ark., and Thomas Sims of Edwards; a sister, Dovie Crawford of Utica; four grandchildren, William Ross, Chris Ross, Kendra Mauldin and Jack Mauldin; and eight great-grandchildren, William E. Ross, Dalton Ross, Bradley Dwiggins, Tyler Hollowell, Ashtin Ross, Julianna Ross, Kalee Ross and Emilianna Hollowell.

Memorial services will be at 4 p.m. Saturday at Glenwood Funeral Home in Vicksburg with the Rev. Glenn Allen officiating. Visitation will be from 2:30 p.m. Saturday until the hour of the service.