Family: A Dynamic History

Family is a rich mosaic of love, history, and connection, intricately woven with stories, memories, and lasting connections that stretch across generations. The Malone/Blakley family is a shining example of that legacy. As we come together to reflect, reconnect, and share our lives, we honor the deep bonds that unite us. This blog post is a tribute to our journey, celebrating where we’ve been, embracing where we are, and underscoring the importance of staying connected as we move forward.

The Malone/Blakley Legacy

The Malone/Blakley family legacy is one of resilience, faith, and generational strength, a history deeply rooted in the African American experience. Across centuries, our ancestors faced adversity with courage and celebrated triumphs with grace, laying the foundation for the values we cherish today. From humble beginnings to meaningful milestones, each family member has added a legacy of love, perseverance, and purpose.

Our story begins with the union of Glover Sims and Eloise Mapp Sims, the heart of our lineage. They joined holy matrimony in Newton County, Mississippi. Although the exact year is unknown, it is believed to be around 1923-1925.

Glover Sims was born on December 22, 1907, in Hickory, Mississippi, Newton County. He was the son of Bob Sims (born in 1873) and Mary Sims (born in 1872). He had eleven siblings: Lugenia Sims (born Dec 1892), America Sims and Mattie Sims (born Oct 1896/possibly twins), Rena Bell Sims (born Dec 1897), Jack Sims (born 1900), Emma Sims (born 1903), Rachael Sims (born 1905), Willie Sims (born 1914), Preston (Riley) Sims (born 1916), LC (Riley) Sims, (born 1918), and Elsee Sims (born 1920).  It was said Glover Sims was a twin, but Ancestry records didn't locate a twin for Glover. Records did state Mary Sims had a stillborn child (the exact year wasn't documented). Glover (granddaddy) was known for his love for family. Glover (granddaddy) was a tall, quiet, and gentle man who deeply loved his family, especially his only daughter and grandchildren. He visited us several times a week.  After church on Sundays, he would often bring his grandchildren (Rachel’s kids) sugar cane and carefully cut it into pieces for us. I’m sure he did the same for his other grandkids in the area, but this story is from Rachel’s kid’s memories. Since we only lived a block away from our grandparents, he would affectionately stand on his from porch to make sure we were safe as we walked to their home.  He may not have said much, but his love was always shown through his presence, kindness, and thoughtful actions. He had a deep love and relationship with the Lord and was a Deacon at Mercy Seat Baptist Church in Gulfport, Mississippi. He also loved the outdoors and gardening. 

Eloise (Mapp) Sims, affectionately known as “Ma Me”, was born on March 15, 1908, in Decatur, Mississippi, Newton County. She was the daughter of Charlie Mapp and Mary Jefferson Mapp. She had nine siblings: Elbert Mapp, Corine Mapp Wash, Dorothy Mapp Rushing, Pearl Mapp Whitfield, Larcenia Mapp Whitfield, Leola Mapp Dallas, Myrtie Mapp Goodman, Lindsey Mapp, and Wardell Mapp.  Eloise (Ma Me) was known for her loving opinion, always followed by "Am I right or not?", baking multiple-layered cakes during the holidays, Sunday's fashionable suits and hats for church, and her love for singing gospel songs.  A lover of singing gospel music, she often called many of her grandchildren home with uplifting melodies that reflected her faith and joy, even leaving many recorded songs on answering machines.

Around the 1950s, the couple made their home in Gulfport, Mississippi, settling first on Kelley Street for a short period in Soria City Subdivision and later purchasing their first home in 1735 21st Street in Soria City Subdivision, marking a proud achievement for the family.

Glover passed away on October 15, 1973, and Eloise (Ma Me) joined him on November 13, 2007.  Their lives were an example of commitment and family. Between them, they had six children, whose lives reflected the values they instilled.

Glover and Eloise children: Woodrow Sims (April 5, 1931 - May 22, 1977), Rachel Mae Sims Malone Blakley (December 17, 1933 – April 11, 1990), Wilbert Sims (November 225, 1935– March 27, 2021), Elbert Sims (August 110, 1940- present), John Henry Sims (June 4, 1943 – 24 April 1992) and Willie Lee Sims (December 6, 1950 – 9 August 2005)  

As we reflect on our family’s journey, we recognize the guiding principles that continue to shape our lives, faith, love, kindness, resilience, and above all, family unity. These values are not just our inheritance; they are our compass as we move forward, individually and collectively.

Notable Members

Woodrow Sims served in the Army from March 3, 1952, to December 2, 1953. Woodrow was also the first black gas station owner in Gulfport, Mississippi.

Willie Lee Sims served in the Marine Corps as LCPL Willie Sims and fought in the Vietnam War.

The Intersection of Malone and Blakley Bond

The Malone and Blakley families intersected in the mid-1960s when Rachel Sims Malone, widow of Albert Malone, Jr., married Calvin C. Blakley. This union not only combined multiple family histories but also created a new lineage that would continue to grow and evolve with love and a solid bond.

Family Stories and Traditions

Family gatherings often serve as a time to share stories and traditions that have been passed down through generations. The Malone/Blakley family gatherings are filled with laughter, storytelling, and an abundance of love. These gatherings help preserve the history of our family, ensuring that future generations remain connected to their roots.