Bernard (Bernie) Powers Sims, 86, died Nov. 25 at St. Barnabas Hospital in Livingston, N.J. She died surrounded by her family.

She was the widow of Eugene R. Sims. She was a longtime resident of Orange and East Orange, N.J. Bernie also enjoyed homes on the Vineyard and in Fuengirola, Spain.

Born in Wilmington, Del., daughter of William and Bertha Powers, she spent her early years in Vineland, N.J. with her siblings. Always an excellent student with a thirst for knowledge, she attended Virginia State College and received her bachelor’s degree from Fisk University. She earned a master’s degree in early childhood education from Seton Hall University.

A career educator, she was a reading specialist at Peshine Avenue and Quitman Street schools in Newark, N.J., before retiring in 1984.

A world traveler who visited every continent, she was a member of the Traveler’s Century Club because she had visited 100 or more countries and island groups of the world. She celebrated her 80th birthday in Antarctica.

Known for her keen sense of humor, gracious entertaining and smart conversation, Bernie delighted all whom she welcomed into her home. She will be remembered for her love of words, her joy in the bonds of home and family, and her spirit of adventure.

She is the mother of Cheryl S. McCampbell, Deborah S. Wood and Valerie (Missy) Willard; the mother in law of Walter Willard; the sister of William (Sonny) Powers of St. Petersburg, Fla.; the loving grandmother of Amy and Michael Baluzy, Beth McCampbell, E. Scott and Mary Ellen McCampbell, Adam Wood, Lauren Wood, Cynthia Wood, Donald Wood, Jordan Willard and Jillian Willard; and the great-grandmother of Cara Baluzy. Also mourning her loss is her companion of 24 years, Arthur Young, and his daughter, Karen.

Bernie will be missed by a host of nieces and nephews and leaves behind an amazing circle of friends: Helen Sims, Thorny Joyner, Gwendolyn Kenney Henderson, Pauline Ellison, Patricia Peniston Turner and their families. She also is survived by Anthony and Bimbola Odugbesan and their children in Lagos, Nigeria.

In Bernie’s memory and in lieu of flowers, the family requests that donations be made to the Library Fund at Fisk University, Office of Institutional Advancement, 1017 17th avenue North, Nashville TN 37208, attention Office of Alumni Affairs.