Debbie Sims

Bethalto:

Debbie Sims, 69, passed away at home on Monday, June 12, 2023, with her family by her side. She was born on January 13, 1954, in Alton IL, the daughter of the late James Robert and Patsy Jean (Huff) Goss. She married Rick Sims 49 years ago on June 1, 1974, at St. Paul UMC in Rosewood Heights IL, and he survives. Other survivors include two sons: Logan W. Sims and his wife, Elaine (Myers) of East Alton IL; Tyler Sims and his fiancé, Megan Beyer of Rosewood Heights IL; and a daughter, Savannah Cincoski and her husband, Ryan of Rosewood Heights IL, as well as her grandchildren: Stella, Chancey, Gigi, Liam, and Avery; five sisters and brothers-in-law: Micki and Dana Emerick of Wood River IL, Gina and Bob Brown of Rosewood Heights IL, Jennifer and Craig Walker of Springfield IL, Roberta and Dave Johnson of Chatham, IL, Angela and Paul Standefer of Bethalto IL as well as many nieces, nephews, and other extended family and friends.

Debbie was employed by the East Alton School District for over thirty years. Throughout her career, Debbie served as a Special Education Teacher at Eastwood, Blair, and East Alton Middle School. After devoting her life to childhood education, Debbie retired in 2013 as Principal at Washington Early Childhood. Debbie also served as the Special Education Coordinator and Transportation Director for the district. Debbie earned many awards and achievements during her career, including past President of Delta Kappa Gamma Alpha ETA, past President of American Association of University Women Wood River Branch, and received the SIUE Excellence in Teaching Award, the Regional Student Assistance Program Award, and the Emerson Electric Teaching in Excellence Golden Apple Award. Debbie spent much of her life involved in the church, including volunteering at area Vacation Bible Schools, helping with youth programs and youth education. She also formerly served as the secretary for the Bethalto Spirit Beautification Chair. Debbie enjoyed gardening, traveling, spending time with family, and most of all her grandchildren.

In addition to her parents, Debbie was preceded in death by an infant brother: Michael Robert Goss.

In celebration of her life, visitation will be from 4pm to 7pm on Thursday, June 15 at Pitchford Funeral Home in Wood River. Funeral services will be held at 10:30am on Friday, June 16 at the funeral home. Pastor Darren Beyer will officiate. Burial will follow at Rose Lawn Memory Gardens in Bethalto.

In lieu of flowers, memorials are suggested to the Bethalto Spirit Beautification for perennial bushes, plants, and artwork and will be received at the funeral home.