Wanda Gail Sims' Obituary
From Our Arms to His: Remembering Wanda Gail Sims
Our world grew a little dimmer on March 10, 2026, as our beautiful and sweet Wanda Gail Sims, 68, went home to be with the Lord. Gail passed peacefully in her Chattanooga home, surrounded by her family who was her entire world. While our hearts are broken, we find comfort knowing Heaven is now a whole lot brighter.
Born in Chattanooga on August 10, 1957, to Earl and Katie Smith, Gail was a proud graduate of East Ridge High School. As the heartbeat of her home, she held the most important job title: being a mother. She poured her soul into raising her only son and nurturing those she loved. She found her greatest joy in life’s simple moments: Christmas time, her world-famous sweet tea, her favorite soap operas, Elvis Presley himself, and the laughter of her grandchildren.
Gail was the embodiment of empathy and resilience. Over the last few months, she fought a tireless battle with a level of courage that left us all in awe. She faced every challenge with incredible strength, never letting her own pain overshadow her time with family. If love alone could have saved her, she would have lived forever.
Gail is survived by her devoted son, Todd Smith; beautiful grandchildren, Briana, Kayla, and Jamell Tipton; her precious great-grandson Tobias Smith; her sweet siblings Judy Greene and Earl Smith; wonderful nieces, Jessica and April Greene; dear nephew, Brandon Greene; mother of her precious grandchildren, Sabrina Tipton; and many other nieces, nephews, cousins, and dear friends.
She is reunited in Heaven with her parents Katie Miller and Earl Smith; grandmother; Margaret Smith; sister-in-law, Mona Smith and several other beloved relatives.
An intimate service will be held at her mother’s gravesite at Hamilton County Memorial Park in Soddy Daisy, TN, on Sunday April 5, 2026, at 6pm est. In addition to flowers, the family asks that you please bring balloons or lanterns to let go in Gail’s memory as we spread some of her ashes so she can be with her mom, as she always requested.
Our family is profoundly moved by the love and grace shown to Gail. Your support has been the light guiding us through our darkest hours.
With love and gratitude,
The Smith and Tipton Families
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