Obituary of Louise S. Behrman

Louise Sims Behrman, age 92, died June 28, 2016 at Carol Woods Retirement Community in Chapel Hill. Edwina Louise Sims was born August 20, 1923 in Auburn, AL, the daughter of Inez (Smith) and Thomas Andrew Sims. In 1945, she graduated from Auburn University. She married Jack Newton Behrman on September 6, 1945 in Auburn, AL. Louise was the mother of four children, Douglas Newton, Gayle Sims (Jaster), Paul Andrew, and Andrea Louise. Louise and Jack began their life together in Montreal, CA, lived in Princeton, NJ; Davidson, NC; Lexington, VA; Newark, DE; and Chapel Hill, NC. Virtually every summer with Jack's research grants, they traveled the world over together with Louise at Jack's side as a true ambassador. Louise was the epitome of a southern lady, dear friend to many, deacon in the University Presbyterian Church, tireless volunteer and visitor to those shut-in, and a wonderful mother and grandmother who brought joy to us all. She made herself the center of an extended family. She delighted in each of us. All appreciated and loved her attention. She was preceded in death by her brother, Thomas Andrew Sims, Jr. and two children: Gayle and Paul. She is survived by her husband of seventy-two years and the love of her life, Jack; her children: Doug Behrman and Donna, Tallahassee, FL; Andrea Louise Behrman, Louisville, KY; seven grand-children: Kyle Sims Jaster, Emma Crane Jaster, husband - Matt Pearson, Wyatt Jackson Jaster, Brett Northcutt Behrman, Todd Coleman Behrman, Kathryn Madison Bateman, and Callie Bateman Bradshaw, husband - Philip Bradshaw; three great grand-children: Ellis Sims Pearson, Owen Archer Bradshaw, and Nash Oliver Bradshaw; her sister-in-law, Jean Phillips Sims; and nieces and nephews: Debra Sims McCrary, Thomas Andrew Sims, III; Marcia Sims Pegues, and Stephen Briggs Sims. There will be a private family burial in Chapel Hill. Donations in memory of Louise may be made to the University Presbyterian Church, 209 E. Franklin St., Chapel Hill, N.C., 27514.