Sylvester “Syl” Sims (May 9, 1892 – December 12, 1963) was the proprietor of the Overland Cafe in West Oakland.
Sims was born in 1892 in La Grange, Texas. He married Irene Kirkwood (Sims) in 1916, and they had a daughter, Dolores Sims (Hunter). By 1920, they had moved to Oakland.
The family lived near the Overland, including at 1745 - 7th (1920-1924), 809 Wood (1925), and 1176 - 8th (1927-1963). NB: The 1940 census lists them at 1333 Adeline, but the 1940 directory, WWII draft card in 1942, and 1944 directory all list them at 1176 - 8th, and that is the address given at the time of Sims' death in 1963. 1
Following a long illness, Sims died in December 1963. A funeral was held at Parks Chapel A.M.E. Church and he was buried in Mountain View Cemetery. Irene is also buried there.
Links and References
- obituary Oakland Tribune December 16, 1963
- Rites Held for Sylvester Sims Oakland Tribune December 19, 1963
