Prince Ezra Mims, beloved husband, father, son, brother, colleague, and friend, passed away peacefully in the comfort of his home, surrounded by the love and presence of his family. He was born on August 14, 1955, in East Feliciana Parish, Louisiana, to David Abraham Mims, Sr. and Mae Lou (James) Mims.
Prince grew up in Louisiana and carried the warmth and strength of his Southern roots throughout his life. He was baptized at Richland Baptist Church in Norwood, Louisiana. A proud graduate of Southern University, Class of 1976, Prince began a distinguished 39-year career with JCPenney. On April 19, 1986, he married the love of his life, Barbara Lancaster. Together, they built a home filled with love, faith, and family.
For those that knew Prince as a colleague or spoke to him about his career knew that he was a tireless leader with an unwavering work ethic, known for his dedication, consistency, and integrity. Throughout his tenure at JCPenney, he was promoted an impressive 13 times and was honored as an 11-time recipient of the Chairman’s Award and, in 2015, was bestowed the esteemed Founder’s Award, a testament to his enduring impact and excellence within the organization. His career was defined not just by promotions and achievements, but by the respect he earned from colleagues, the loyalty he inspired in his teams, and the high standards he upheld every day.
As a father, he was funny, charismatic, and deeply devoted to his family. He had a way of drawing people in, especially with a story. Whether it was a childhood memory, a life lesson, or something humorous from his day, when he spoke, every ear listened. He had a gift for storytelling that connected generations and reminded us of who we are. He didn’t just raise a family, he led it with heart, presence, and unwavering love. As a husband, he shared 39 beautiful years together with Barbara raising children, building a home filled with love, and creating memories that will be cherished forever.
He is lovingly remembered by his devoted wife, Barbara Mims of Wylie, Texas; his stepson, Daniel Lancaster of Fort Worth, Texas; his daughters, Kareena Applewhite and her husband Recarlo of Bethesda, Maryland, and Arleena Cates and her husband TJ of Fort Lauderdale, Florida; beloved mother, Mae Lou Mims of Baton Rouge, Louisiana; Andrew James, Sr. and his wife Patricia of Landham, Maryland; grandchildren, Hayden Ekas of Weatherford, Texas, Christopher Lancaster of Plano, Texas, Ethan Lancaster of Weatherford, Texas, and Jordan Cates of Fort Lauderdale, Florida; sister, Ella Philson of Baton Rouge, Louisiana; brother, David A. Mims, Jr. of Austin, Texas; brother, Willie H. Mims and his wife Ophelia of Atlanta, Georgia; and sister, Emma Giles and her husband Derrick of Baton Rouge, Louisiana; along with a host of nephews, nieces, cousins, extended family, and dear friends whose lives he touched deeply.
Prince was preceded in death by his father, David Mims, Sr.
A Celebration of Life honoring Prince will be held at 10:00 a.m. CST, Wednesday, July 16, 2025, at Turrentine-Jackson-Morrow Funeral Home, 2525 Central Expressway North, Allen, Texas 75013. The service will also be live streamed at the following link: https://celebrationoflife.tv/blog/prince-e-mims.
Following the service, a reception will be held at Rick's Chophouse at 11:45 a.m. CST, at 107 N Kentucky St #200, McKinney, TX 75069. Friends and family are invited to gather, share stories, and celebrate a well lived life.
The family extends heartfelt gratitude to VNA Hospice Care for their compassionate support during Prince’s transition. A special thank you is also given to Barbara Mims, David Mims, and Willie Mims for their unwavering commitment and loving care during his final days.
In lieu of flowers, the family kindly requests that donations be made in Prince’s memory to the Pancreatic Cancer Association or VNA Hospice Care, a cause close to their hearts.
Prince Ezra Mims will be remembered not only for his professional excellence and remarkable achievements, but also for the warmth, strength, and generosity he brought into the lives of all who knew him. His legacy lives in the hearts of his loved ones.
“The Legend Has Retired."