Lillian Metcalf

Waynesville, Lillian Wheeler Metcalf, 86, passed away on Monday, January 17, 2022.

A native of Madison County, she was a daughter of the late Thara and Vaughtie Allen Wheeler. Lillian was the wife of the late Paul Metcalf, who died in 2012. She is also preceded in death by her sister, Inice W. Smathers and two brothers, Gary David Wheeler and Roy Lee Wheeler. Lillian dedicated 39 years to Haywood Hospital and Mission-St. Joseph’s as a registered nurse. She was a member of Balsam Baptist Church and earned a Bachelor of Science degree in Christian Psychology from Liberty University in May of 2021, she was currently enrolled in the masters degree program, education was extremely important to her, and she encouraged everyone to never stop learning. Lillian established the first licensed daycare in North Carolina and helped the state implement daycare guidelines in the early 70’s. Lillian’s happy place was walking Lake Junaluska, where she had made many friends.

Lillian is survived by two daughters, Paula Minzenmayer (Dean) and Marsha Arrington (Alan); two sons, Stanley Metcalf (Daurice) and Greg Metcalf (Melissa); a sister, Vernell Shuford (Randall); five brothers, Howard (Birdell), Earl (Patsy), Russell (Rita), Alvin (Linda), and Gerald Wheeler (Oveda); a sister in law, Brenda Wheeler; a brother in law, Keith Smathers; eleven grandchildren, Phillip Ferguson (Andrea), Crystal Stanford (Steven), Ame Swanger (Neal), Emily Metcalf, Laura Davis (Ronnie), Caleb Metcalf, Caty Metcalf, Johnny Metcalf, Angel Metcalf, Kirstie Arrington (Sam Goss), Jon Arrington (Hanna); seven great-grandsons, Colbie, Davis, Dawson, Jaxon, Rowan, Reagan, and Alexander; and foster son and daughter, Verlin Shuler and Louise Shuler Green; along with numerous nieces and nephews.

A celebration of life will be held at 3:00 p.m. on Saturday, February 26, 2022 at Balsam Missionary Baptist Church with Reverend Greg Cullen officiating.

In lieu of flowers memorials may be made to the Balsam Missionary Baptist Church Youth Fund at P.O. Box 280, Balsam, NC 28707.

The care of Mrs. Metcalf has been entrusted to Wells Funeral Home of Waynesville.