Obituary of Emma-Lett Kell Sims

Emma-Lett Jordan Kell Sims COLUMBIA: Mrs. Emma-Lett Jordan Kell Sims of Columbia, SC, died February 23, 2013 at Palmetto Baptist Medical Center, Columbia, SC under Hospice Care. Born on May 18, 1926 in Birmingham, Alabama, Emma-Lett was the daughter of the late William D. Jordan and Lillie Mae Bailey Jordan. She was retired from Southern Bell and The Real Yellow Pages, and a member of New Heights Church. Survivors include her son: Franklin Wayne Kell, Sr of Columbia, SC and one sister Billie Faye Jordan Pinckney of Adamsville TN; 3 grandchildren; 4 great-grandchildren and 1 additional great-grandchild expected in June. She is also survived by several nieces and nephews and great-nieces and great-nephews. She was preceded in death by two sons; infant Thomas Franklin Kell, Jr and Thomas Jordan Kell; and one sister, Loujean Jordan Stovall. An early trailblazer, at the age of 17 Emma-Lett went to work in the shipyards at Brunswick, GA joining other women as a "Rosie the Riveter" building Victory ships. She was skilled as a welder and because of her petite size worked in the tight, cramped spaces of the ships often welding upside down or laying flat on her back. Following World War II, she became one of the early telephone operators for Southern Bell retiring after 42 years. She continued to be active with Telephone Pioneers of American until shortly before her death. Always smiling, hair done, nails polished and makeup on, she was ready with her camera in her hand. "Lett" is remembered fondly for her love of family, God and photography. Funeral services will be held at 1 p.m. Wednesday, February 27, 2013, at New Heights Church, 5501 Broad River Road, Columbia, SC 29212, officiated by Reverend Mike Townsend. The family will receive friends from 12 until 1 p.m. prior to the service at the church. Interment will be held at 1:30 p.m. Thursday, February 28, 2013, in Cross Roads Baptist Church Cemetery, 3636 Lavonia Highway, Hartwell, GA. Thompson Funeral Home of Lexington is assisting the family. The family is requesting no flowers and suggests remembrances be made in her name to the New Heights Church Fifty Plus Club - 5501 Broad River Road, Columbia, SC 29212.