Tamela "Tam" Simmons

Tamela “Tam” Lou (Botkin) Simmons, 54, of Doe Hill passed away Friday, October 28, 2016 at the home of her daughter, Michelle.  She was born May 7, 1962 a daughter of the late George “Jack” Addison and Charlotte Virginia (Rexrode) Botkin.

Mrs. Simmons most recently worked as a devoted babysitter and caregiver for the elderly.  Tam was previously employed with Hanover Shoe Company for 17 years and Dental Prothestetic Services for 5 years. She was a member of St. Paul Independent Lutheran Church, where she at one time taught Children’s Church. Additionally, she was a member of McDowell Volunteer Fire Department and a past member of Highland County Rescue Squad.  Tam will be remembered for her love toward the elderly and children, especially her grandchildren, and for her devotion to her husband and daughters.

Surviving family members include her husband, Lowell Simmons, whom she married June 20, 1980; two daughters, Heather Jeffers and companion, Jeff Wilson of Spraggs, PA and Michelle Wooddell and husband, Jeff of Staunton; grandchildren, Riley and Dalton Jeffers, and Makenzie and Cameron Wooddell; sisters, Debra Badgley and husband, Steve of Stuarts Draft and her identical twin, Pamela Hawthorne and husband, Mike of Staunton; brothers, Thomas Botkin and wife, Annie of McDowell; Donnie Botkin and wife, Karen of Head Waters, Ronnie Botkin and wife, Caroline of Hightown and Douglas Botkin and wife, Peggy of Upper Tract, WV.  She is also survived by her beloved mother-in-law, Bertie Moran of Staunton; aunts, uncles, numerous nieces and nephews; and her special dog, Ginger.

A memorial service will be conducted 11 a.m., Tuesday, November 1, 2016 at Obaugh Funeral Home with the Rev. Jerry Smith officiating.  Inurnment will follow in St. Paul Cemetery.  McDowell Volunteer Fire Department will serve as honorary pallbearers.

The family will receive friends from 6 to 8 p.m. Monday at Obaugh Funeral Home.

In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to McDowell Volunteer Fire Department or St. Paul Independent Lutheran Church, both c/o Delbert Rexrode, Jr., 527 Windrush Lane, Doe Hill, VA 24433.