Mel Schwem Sims

Melodie “Mel” Margaurite Schwem Sims, age 68, of Ringgold, Louisiana died in her little sisters arms Thursday, May 25, 2023, after a battle with cancer. She is proceeded in death by her mom and dad, James and Alpha Schwem, her husband Jerry Sims, and is finally reunited with the babies she never got to meet earthside,  

Mel was born to James Louis Schwem and Alpha Pepper Schwem on January 24, 1955, right in time to grow up in the 70’s where she acquired her love for all things “peace, love” and rock n roll.”   

If you are wondering if you may have ever met Mel, you didn't - because you WOULD remember.  

Mel was the 4th of 6 kids, the middle’ish rung (which explains a lot).  Her position as the youngest girl was halted when her baby sister, Debbie was born. And truthfully, Mel wouldn’t have it any other way. They were best friends, each other’s alibi’s, and the original Thelma and Louise. 

 When she was a young girl, she’d often threaten her brother Glen with a knuckle sandwich if he didn’t buy her a candy bar. When she wasn’t trying to rip curlers from her big sister, Pam’s head, you could find her working alongside her brother, Lonnie, in the garage. You could often catch her outside chasing lizards to hang from her ears or playing sports with the boys. She would often promise to play Barbies with her best friend Suzy, as long as Suzy would play football with her.  Suzy is still waiting to play Barbies.  

 There was not a rodent, reptile or dog that Mel didn’t make friends with. If you visited her home, you were warned about making sudden moves or getting too close to her, in the event that her guard dog, Lucy, a 6-pound Pomeranian full of piss and vinegar, would go for your jugular. And never mind her bird, Alex, who’d cuss you out in front of God and everybody.  

Mel wasn’t much for fancy parties, expensive jewelry, or gaudy home decor. But she made up for that with her vintage CocaCola collection, Marlboro’s and Dr. Pepper.  

Mel worked various jobs throughout her adult life where she had the privilege of working with her friends and “a bunch of dingbats”.  

In addition to the countless puzzles she leaves behind, she also leaves behind her brothers, Jim Schwem (wife Laura) Lonnie Schwem, (wife Rebecca) and Glen Schwem (wife Tammi, her sisters, Pam Johonnesson (husband Lawrence) and Debbie Bolton (husband Jeffrey,)  longtime boyfriend, Nicky, two beautiful daughters, Amy Sims and Misty Sims (husband Mike Payne)  And 5 amazing grandchildren, Jordan, Justin, Rebekah, Dillon, and Travis, and 3 great grandchildren, Alina, Rowan, and Emily,  who are already missing her something fierce. She also leaves behind nearly 50 nieces and nephews who she loved more than peanut butter and chocolate…and that’s a lot!  

 Despite her tough-as-nails exterior, there is actual evidence that she was a loving, giving and caring person. Ask anyone she met, and they’d tell you that Mel made sure you knew you were important and loved. She also made sure to let you know when she thought you were annoying.