Suzanne Brandon Hiles Sims

Suzanne Brandon Hiles Sims March 24, 1948 - November 3, 2020 On Tuesday, November 3, 2020, Suzanne Brandon Hiles Sims died at home in Bluffton, South Carolina, with her husband of fifty-three years, James “Jim” Lawson Sims, Sr., at her side. She was 72. Suzanne was born on March 24, 1948, in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, to Dr. Charles Hall Hiles, Sr., and Jeanne Marie Arbogast Hiles. She grew up in Wheeling, West Virginia, graduated from Tridelphia High School, and attended West Virginia University, where she was Vice President of the Freshman Class and where she met her husband. Following their marriage in 1967, Suzanne and Jim relocated to Charleston, West Virginia, where she completed her degree at West Virginia State College, while raising her two children. Suzanne had several careers including selling real estate, working in special education at Kanawha County Public Schools for nearly 20 years, and providing financial services for more than 20 years. While she lived in Charleston, WV, she was a member of the Junior League, leader for the Cub Scouts, president of the Bedford Garden Club, and a member of Christ Church United Methodist. After moving to Bluffton, Suzanne volunteered with Backpack Buddies, the Boys and Girls Club of the Low Country, and the Fall Festival with her church. She was a board member for the Palmetto Chapter of the West Virginia University Alumni Association, a member of the Liberal Ladies of the Low Country, a board member of the Country Club of Hilton Head Tennis Association, and a member of St. Andrew By the Sea United Methodist Church. Suzanne was a passionate tennis player, who liked to play every day, although she often only managed six days a week. She was known for her wicked serve and her willingness to play anytime she was asked. An eternal optimist, Suzanne was known for her bright smile and laugh, and playful nature which she passed on to her children. Throughout her childhood Suzanne was very active in the Girl Scouts, and she continued to be committed to buying thin mints every year, and occasionally shared cookies with her family. She loved to craft, and was a talented seamstress. In addition to sewing clothes, pillows, and curtains over the decades, in the last year, Suzanne sewed more than 300 masks for the Boys and Girls Club, Volunteers in Medicine, St. Joseph Candler Hospital of Bluffton, and the Medical University of South Carolina, and even more masks for her family and friends. Suzanne loved travel, the outdoors, her garden, and her grandchildren, whom she loved to spoil. Summer camp at Grammy’s house meant anything they asked for. Suzanne was a serious sports fan who loved her Steelers. In the last days of her life she celebrated their undefeated 7-0 season. In addition to her husband, she is survived by her son, James Lawson Sims, Jr. (Rebecca), of Kennesaw, Georgia, and daughter, Brandon Catherine Hiles Sims, of Hagerstown, Maryland, three grandsons, Specialist, U.S. Army Corps of Engineers, James Lawson Sims, III, Private, U.S. Army National Guard, Jalen Loughry, and William “Liam” Burger, and two granddaughters, Claire Burger and Emma Loughry. She is also survived by her brothers, Dr. Charles Hall Hiles, Jr., of Wolfeboro, New Hampshire, and John Christian Hiles (Mary Lou) of Texarkana, Texas, two nephews and four nieces. She is preceded in death by her parents, both of Hilton Head Island. In lieu of flowers, the family asks that you plant a tree, shrub or flower in your own yard, and share a photo with the family. Suzanne was an avid gardener and would love that you planted something in her memory. If you choose to make a donation in her memory, the family asks that you contribute to the St. Andrew By the Sea United Methodist Church Endowment Fund. https://hhiumc.com/. A celebration of life is planned for Saturday, December 12, 2020, at 1:30 pm at First Presbyterian Curch, Hilton Head Head Island.