Crossville, TN - Anita Louise Hale, 72, of Crossville, passed away at Uplands Village on April 20, 2026.

Ms. Hale was born on Nov. 13, 1953, in Oxfordshire, England, daughter of the late Cecil Copeland and Francis Copeland.

Anita worked as an educator for more than 37 years, including 28 years at North Cumberland Elementary in Crossville. During her retirement she chose to spend her time as representative for the 4th District of the Cumberland County Board of Education for a total of six years, showing dedication to her profession, her friends, and the community.

Outside of her passion for teaching, she was a performer in stage productions at Tennessee Valley Theater, a long-time Disney fan, and enjoyed traveling around the world. Her favorite holiday was Mardi Gras, giving her a chance to return to the Gulf Coast of Mississippi to see family and friends.

In Crossville she enjoyed hosting and attending Bunco Nights with her close friends, golfing at Tansi with the 9-Hole Ladies Golf League, and bowling with the Plateau Pretty Bowlers, attending state and national tournaments. In her quiet time, she was an avid reader and movie lover. Her favorite movie was "Gone with the Wind," and her favorite book was "A Dog's Purpose."

She is survived by her son, Matthew Jacobs (Elizabeth); brothers, Marshall Copeland (Angela) and Joseph Copeland; and extended family, Tina Copeland, Catherine Copeland, Christopher Copeland, Carla Hilley, Natalie Hilley, Marshall Hilley, Chelsea Cuevas, Lisa Fisher (Donnie), and Brandon Lester.

In addition to her parents, Anita is preceded in death by her brother, Andy Copeland; sister, Bonnie Cuevas; and nephew, Mark Hilley.

Celebration of Life will be held at First Congregational Church on Wednesday, April 29, 2026, at 6 p.m. Visitation will be held prior to the services from 5-6 p.m.

In lieu of flowers, Anita requested that donations be made to the Cumberland County Animal Shelter.

Arrangements and care provided by Bilbrey Funeral Home and Cremation Service.