Mary Metcalf Obituary

"The temporary Nature of any precious thing

That just makes it, just makes it more precious

But not easier, not easier to lose

To lose somebody as precious as you,

We don't have an answer, God only knows

Why we are made to weather these storms"

JOHNSON CITY - Mary Heatherly Metcalf, 73, Johnson City, beloved wife, mother, grandmother, and sister, passed away on Friday, January 12, 2024, at Sycamore Shoals Hospital, following a lengthy illness. The precious soul that was with Mary has joined with God.

Mary was a native and lifelong Johnson City resident. She was a daughter of the late Ralph Heatherly, Sr. and Celia Begley Heatherly.

Mary was a 1968 graduate of Science Hill High School. She was a former Rural Carrier for the United States Postal Service. Mary was the co-owner and backbone of Metcalf Tree Service, the company she and her husband Rick founded and have operated for over forty years.

Mary loved researching, especially genealogy. She attended Heartland Fellowship Church, Elizabethton.

Mary was a strong, independent, caring woman, who helped and loved everyone she could. She will be missed by many people.

In addition to her parents, Mary was preceded in death by a son, Billy Joe Gross, Jr., and a brother, Ralph Heatherly, Jr.

Mary's husband, Rick Metcalf, passed away unexpectedly of an apparent heart attack on Sunday, January 14, 2024. His arrangements are incomplete and will be announced in the coming days.

She is survived by her son, Richard Metcalf, Johnson City; her daughter, Riketta Metcalf, Johnson City; four grandchildren, Mary Katherine Gross, Johnson City, Austin Gross, Elizabethton, Cadence Metcalf, Elizabethton, and Raydon Metcalf, Elizabethton; one great-granddaughter, Evie Gross, TX; two brothers, James R. Heatherly, Knoxville, and Kenneth Heatherly, Atlanta, GA; five sisters, Peggy Heatherly, Johnson City, Jamie Ferguson, Chucky, Misty Heatherly, Johnson City, Debbie Heatherly, Johnson City, and Cecelia Heatherly, Johnson City; several nieces and nephews.

The graveside funeral service will be held Wednesday, January 17, 2024, at 3:00 P.M., in Happy Valley Memorial Park. Those planning to attend are to meet at the cemetery by 2:50 P.M. Wednesday.

Memories and condolences may be shared at www.appfh.net.

Appalachian Funeral Home & Cremation Services, 800 E. Watauga Ave., Johnson City, TN 37601, is honored to serve the Metcalf family. (928-6111)