Tanya Robertson Simms

November 7, 1955 – August 18, 2022

On Thursday, August 18, 2022, Tanya Robertson Simms, loving mother of three sons, passed away at the age of 66.

Tanya was born on November 7, 1955 in Langdale, Alabama to John Thomas and Vera (Blankenship) Robertson. She received her Bachelor’s Degree in Elementary Education in 1978 and her Master’s Degree in Education in 1980 from Auburn University. She would educate and nurture students for the next 38 years as an Elementary School teacher. Tanya spent her career leaving lasting impressions on her students and creating a loving and supportive environment for learning and personal growth. She raised three sons: Michael Scott Simms, Jr.; John Patrick Simms; and James Benjamin Simms.

Tanya was a devout servant of the Lord, and His light shined through Tanya to all who met her. Even in retirement, she devoted her life to providing compassion to children in need by volunteering with childhood bereavement and foster care programs. Tanya was an avid cook, and was known throughout the region for her yeast rolls and cinnamon rolls. Above all else, Tanya was a devoted mother to her boys, and cherished watching them grow into men with families of their own.

Tanya was preceded in death by her daddy, John Thomas Robertson, and her mother, Vera Blankenship Robertson. She is survived by her three sons, Scott, John, and Ben; sister Martha Sparks; brother-in-law David Sparks; brother Steve Robertson; sister-in-law Kaye Robertson; several nieces and nephews; and grandchildren Whit, Wyatt, Jack, Henry, and Scott.

A funeral service will be held on Thursday, September 1, 2022 at Valley Baptist Church at 3302 20^th Avenue, Valley, Alabama. Visitation will begin at 10:00AM (EST), followed by a service at 11:30AM. 

In lieu of flowers, please consider supporting the following charities in Tanya’s memory: BigHouse Foundation (Opelika, AL), The Caring House (Huntsville, AL), and Free 2 Teach (Huntsville, AL).