Betty Metzgar

Betty Metzgar passed away on January 8, 2011 at the age of 85. Betty was a lifelong resident of Jonesboro, AR. She met her husband of 61 years while he was passing through Jonesboro as a young soldier during WWII. After serving his time of duty, he returned to Arkansas to take her as his bride and the two began their family which came to include two children, five grandchildren, and five great grandchildren.

Betty was a homemaker who lived her entire life selflessly and made an impression on the life of every person she encountered, stranger or friend. She set a standard of compassion and caring for others that few other people ever meet. Her ministry was to always be there for those who were in need of a sympathetic friend; there not to judge but to lift them up. She was the one person you could always count on to help you carry your burden; her love was unconditional. She spent the last few years of her life at Craighead Nursing Center where she was an inspiration to both staff and residents. She had a special place in her heart for children and they too were drawn to her. To them, she was “Miss Betty” and even after they were grown with children of their own, they still found time to run by and visit with her whenever possible.

She was a member of Forrest Home Church of the Nazarene where she was revered and loved and will be sorely missed. She devoted her entire life to God and accepted whatever challenge he gave her with grace and fortitude. To her friends and family, she was an angel with a direct line to heaven which she used on a daily basis.

She is survived by two sisters, Billie Williams and Monria Panneck of Jonesboro, son, Gordon Metzgar and wife Charlotte of Jonesboro; daughter, Pam Price and husband Jesse of Fairfield Bay, AR; grandchildren; Margo Rogers, Meredith Metzgar, Brandye Pierce, Nick Andrews, and Alex Andrews; and great grandchildren, Olivia Faith Metzgar, Sophie Rogers, Jett Pierce, Sawyer Shrum and Sailor Shrum; and several nieces and nephews.

Visitation will begin at 10:30 Tuesday morning, January 11, at Forrest Home Church of the Nazarene with the funeral to follow at noon with Rev. Ken Stallings officiating. There will be a private burial at Jonesboro Memorial Park Cemetery. Emerson Funeral Home will be in charge of arrangements. Pallbearers include Gordon Metzgar, Nick Andrews, Alex Andrews, Jesse Price, David Panneck, and Brent Panneck.

For those wishing to leave lasting memorials, donations can be made to the Forest Home Nazarene Church Building Fund, 1922 Race Street, Jonesboro, Arkansas 72401.

To sign online guest book go to www.emersonfuneralhome.com.