SUFFOLK—Sallie M. Applewhite Sims died Oct. 20, 2007 after a lengthy illness in Tandem Health Care Facility, Norfolk.

She was born Sept. 9, 1927, in Gates, N.C., the daughter of the late James Johnson and Pricilla Eley Gatling (the stepdaughter of Arthur G. Gatling Sr.).

She retired from General Electric Corporation, Portsmouth. As a faithful member of Faith, Hope and Love Church Ministries, she served as president of the Missionary Board, superintendent of the Sunday schools and member of the Senior Choir.

She was employed as a bookkeeper in a small family business and a “line processor” of General Electric for many years.

She was predeceased by five brothers, Wilbur Johnson, Cyrus Johnson, Kermit Johnson, Arthur Gatling Jr. and Bradley Gatling.

Survivors include her three children, Caryles A. Howell of Detroit, Mich., Sallye A. Owens of Chesapeake and Abraham Applewhite (Irene) of Franklin; three sisters, Hazel Turner of Suffolk, the Rev. Peggy Goulet (Robert) of Wise and Rita Brinkley (Benjamin) of Suffolk; grandchildren, Erin, Irene, Abe, Carlos, Torrey and Eli; and a host other nieces, nephews, cousins and friends.

Services will be held today at 11 a.m. in New Mount Joy Food for Living Ministries. Interment will be in Carver Memorial Cemetery, Suffolk.

T.E. Cooke-Overton Funeral Home is in charge of arrangements.