The Akins Funeral Home of Copperhill announces the death of Billie Grizzle Simonds, age 83, of Turtletown, TN, who passed away Tuesday, January 5, 2010. Mrs. Simonds was a native of the Copper Basin area and was a daughter of the late Tom and Myrtle Blalock Grizzle. She completed her masters degree in education and had obtained 45 hours toward her Doctrine Degree in education as well. She attended East TN State University where she received her Bachelor's degree and also UTC and Peabody College. As a dedicated teacher and motivator, she worked for the Polk County Board of Education for over forty two years. She enjoyed teaching her students and meeting their personal needs. Mrs. Simonds had also coached elementary Basketball for a number of years. She attended both Crofts Chapel and Zion Hill Baptist Church and was a member of the Order of Easter Star. She was also preceded in death by brothers, Ray, Pete, Ralph and Roy Grizzle; sisters, Peg Presswood and Midge . She is survived by son and daughter-in-law, Steve and Kathy Barnes of Spring City, TN; grandchildren, Lukas Sanford Barnes and Zachary Paul Barnes. Funeral services will be conducted Friday, January 8th at 2:00 PM from the Akins of Copperhill Chapel with Rev.Terry Gladson officiating.Music will be by Janice Reid.Interment will follow in the Croft's Chapel cemetery. The family will receive friends at the funeral home after 2:00 PM Thursday but especially Thursday evening from 5:00 PM until 8:00 PM. Memorial Contributions in memory of Mrs. Simonds may be made to the Copper Basin Rural Community Association, P.O.Box 109, Copperhill, TN 37317. Condolences to the family may be sent to www.akinsfuneralhome.com. Akins Funeral Home of Copperhill in charge of the arrangements. .