Larry Mims, 58, died on Oct. 26, 2011. Born on Dec. 18, 1952 in Doddsville, Miss., to Henry Sr. and Williese Mims, he graduated from John Marshall Metro High School in Chicago and attended Huston-Tillotson University, a historically black college in Austin, Texas. He was a member of Phi Beta Sigma Fraternity and graduated Summa Cum Laude in 1974 with a Bachelor of Arts degree in Government and a minor in English. He received his Doctor of Jurisprudence Degree in 1977 from the University of Texas at Austin School of Law. While attending law school, he served as a legal clerk for judges and practicing attorneys. Also in 1977, Larry was a lobbyist for the Texas Right to Life Committee.
He began his career practicing law in Texas in 1978 and after two years, moved back home to Chicago to continue his practice and be with his two sons, Anthony and Larry Shelton. His community involvement included: the Chicago Center for Conflict Resolution; the Association for Conflict Resolution, Chicago Chapter; Career Transition Center of Chicago; Parish Pastoral Council, St. Catherine–St. Lucy Church; Chicago Archdiocese Commission on Mental Illness Faith and Fellowship; John Howard Association; Illinois Department of Juvenile Justice; Ombudsman Mediator, Employer Support for the National Guard and Reserves; Illinois Lawyers’ Assistance Program; Lutheran Social Services Residence West Alumni Association; Lutheran Advocacy Network; DuPage Country Sheriff’s JUST Program; Streamwood Behavioral Health Services for Adolescents; U.S. Marine Corps Toys for Tots Program in Highwood; and the Chicago Association of Realtors.
During his life, Mr. Mims was a steadfast believer and on April 15, 2006 he converted to Catholicism at St Catherine of Siena–St Lucy Parish. With the love, guidance, and support of his family and friends and the Suburban Fellowship Center in Forest Park, he stayed a successful course of sobriety.
Larry Mims is survived by his mother, Williese; his son, Larry (Darlene); his grandchildren, Diane and Loren; his brothers, William, Mac Henry, Henry Jr., Johnnie, and Jerome; his nieces and nephews, Sophia, Ashley, Davina, Jatasha, Leslie, Laura, Lisa; his nephew, Denzel; Deborah (Philip) whom he considered his daughter; Anita and Tylendel, whom he considered his grandchildren; and a host of friends.
Interment took place at Forest Home Cemetery in Forest Park. Arrangements were handled by Emanuel’s Chapel in Chicago. For more information, call 773-593-4446.
