Barbara Simerly

Barbara McKinney Simerly, age 85, passed away on Monday, June 8, 2026, at Ivy Hall Nursing Home in Elizabethton, Tennessee. Barbara was born in Carter County, Tennessee, on May 12, 1941, a daughter of the late Marion Cicero McKinney and Iva Lee Edney McKinney. In addition to her parents, she was preceded in death by her husband of 48 years, D.C. Simerly; an infant son; infant twin daughters; and her brothers, Henry Boyd McKinney, Rhonda Lynn McKinney, Roger Dale McKinney, and Roy Marion McKinney and a sister, Virginia “Jenny” Campbell.

Barbara had formerly worked in manufacturing and healthcare. She was a faithful member of Hampton First Baptist Church. Barbara enjoyed reading, attending church services, and spending time with her family and friends. Her kind spirit, gentle nature, and unwavering faith touched the lives of all who knew her.

Those left to cherish her memory include her two daughters, Linda Collins and husband, Sam, of Jonesborough, Tennessee, and Melanie Rice and husband, Brian, of Johnson City, Tennessee; five grandchildren, Sierra Hannah (David), Dylan Shepherd, Lily Rice, Sherwin Taylor (Butch), and Jesse Collins (Amber); four great-grandchildren, Clay Taylor, Chace Taylor, Eva Collins, and Wila Collins; one special sister, Mildred Roberson; a special niece and nephew, Victoria Woody and Clinton McKinney; a special great-nephew, Kory McKinney; several extended members of both the Simerly and McKinney families; and her cherished friends from Hampton First Baptist Church.

Barbara's family will forever treasure the love, guidance, and countless memories she shared throughout her life. Her legacy of faith, devotion to family, and compassionate heart will continue to live on in the lives of those who loved her.

A celebration of Barbara’s life will be conducted at 1:00 PM on Saturday, June 13, 2026 in the Chapel of Peace at Tetrick Funeral Home of Elizabethton with Reverend Ronnie Campbell officiating. The family will receive friends from 11:00 AM until 1:00 PM in the funeral home chapel prior to the service on Saturday.

The graveside service will follow the service in the Simerly Family Cemetery on Browns Branch Road in Hampton. Active pallbearers will be Dylan Shepherd, David Hannah, Jesse Collins, Clay Taylor, Chace Taylor and Butch Taylor. Honorary pallbearers will be Sam Collins and Brian Rice.

A special heartfelt thanks to the staff of Ivy Hall Nursing Home for their tireless care and compassion given to our mother.

Words of sympathy may be shared with the family by visiting our website at www.tetrickfuneralhome.com. Tetrick Funeral Home of Elizabethton is honored to serve the Simerly family. Office phone: (423) 542-2232.

Hux & Lipford Funeral Home is honored to share this obituary as a courtesy per the family's request.