Nelda Louise Stegall Metcalfe

Services for Nelda Louise Stegall Metcalfe, 82, of Franklin will be held at 4:00 p.m. on January 12, 2012, at the First Baptist Church of Franklin. Visitation will be Wednesday from 5 – 7 p.m. at McCauley Funeral Home. Following a brief illness, with her family gathered around her, Mrs. Metcalfe passed from this earth on Sunday, January 8, 2012.

Nelda Metcalfe was born to Louise and Howard Stegall on December 5, 1929. She was a life long resident of Franklin.

Nelda spent her life as a friend, partner, wife, and mother. At the age of five, her next door neighbor became her life's companion when the Metcalfes moved to town. In addition to hours spent together in the neighborhood, Pryse became her friend, her brother's best friend, and eventually her husband.

She attended Franklin schools and graduated as valedictorian of the FHS Class of 1947. She actually started to school two years before she was old enough, to accompany her brother, "Billy Jim". After high school, she continued her studies at Texas State College for Women, now known as TWU (Texas Women's University) in Denton, Texas where she studied accounting.

Nelda and Pryse were married on August 6, 1949 at the Franklin Baptist Church with Reverend J.L. Wallace officiating. Three daughters were born to them: Caralou, Sue Ellen, and Nancy Ann. The Metcalfes were involved in several businesses as owners and founders. They operated Metcalfe Cleaners, Metcalfe Poultry and Livestock Company, and in 1961 founded M&M Farm Supply, a retail feed operation which they owned and operated for more than forty years.

Besides her active involvement in running the family businesses, Nelda was also involved in the community and in pursuing her passions. Nelda excelled on the tennis court, winning many matches in life on the tennis court as well as off the court.
She became a golfer when Oak Grove Country Club was started, enjoying the game and winning various tournaments. She played bridge, worked puzzles, and planned numerous trips to many parts of the world with her family and friends. Nelda was a member of the Franklin Baptist Church and served as Sunday School teacher, training union teacher, on pulpit committees, and in the choir.

Nelda attempted and excelled at many pursuits. She amazed all who were fortunate to be in her company – whether it be on one of her travels, on the banks of fishing tank, at a card game, or simply gathered around her table. She entertained with ease, and her advice and counsel were sought and respected. Those who knew and loved her will continue to ask: "What would 'Dudda' do?" or "What would 'Dudda' say?" Her wisdom and her love are her legacy.

She was preceded in death by her husband of 49 years, Thomas Pryse Metcalfe, Jr.; her sister, Nancy Carol Phillips, her brother, David Stegall; and her doubles partner, Cornelia Hedrick Cope. Survivors include her brother, James "Billy Jim" Stegall; three daughters, Caralou Emard, Sue Ellen Davis, and Nancy Ann Casey; eight grandchildren:
Leslie Michelle Urso, Cristi Lee Ray, Ruston Carroll Perkins, Thomas Webb Davis, Nancy Diana Davis, Kendra Louise Casey, Kayla Pryse Casey, Carrie Danielle Casey; and six great grandchildren.

Memorials may be made to the First Baptist Church of Franklin or to the M.D. Anderson Cancer Clinic in Houston.