Barbara Sue Tallant Metz

Barbara Tallant Metz, 64, of Hudson, NC, passed away on December 15, 2014 at Caldwell Hospice and Palliative Care in Hudson after a period of declining health. Born in burke County on June 10, 1950, to the late Ralph A. Tallant, Sr. and the late Helen T. Tallant, she was preceded in death by her brothers, Ralph A. Tallant, Jr. and Ronnie H. Tallant; her nephew, Billy H. Tallant; her special cousin, Keith Mosteller; and her special aunt, Betty Mosteller.

Barbara graduated as valedictorian from George Hildebran High School in 1968, graduated Magna Cum Laude from Lenoir-Rhyne College in 1971 with a degree in education, and received her master’s degree in guidance and counseling from Appalachian State University in 1974, graduating with high honors. A long-time educator with Caldwell County Schools who was known for her love and compassion for her students and for her lasting friendships with her fellow educators, she taught at Baton Elementary School and other schools across the county. She served as director of the Extended School Day Program at Hibriten High School and retired from South Caldwell High School as a guidance counselor in 1995.

Barbara was a faithful member of Union Grove Baptist Church. She was active in the Women’s Missionary Union, served as a Sunday school teacher, directed Vacation Bible School, and served as a choir member and pianist. For the past sixteen years, she coordinated the church’s “Angel Tree” ministry at Christmas, which aided over 1500 children and family members.

She served as a volunteer at Caldwell Hospice and Palliative Care, was a member of the North Carolina Association of Educators, the National Education Association, Caldwell County Retired School Personnel, and the Mimosa Chapter of the Eastern Star. She was a former committee member of Habitat for Humanity and served several terms as president of the Counselors’ Association of Caldwell County Schools.

Barbara enjoyed all types of music and was a voracious reader, especially of magazines. She touched many lives with her card ministry as she always remembered special celebrations in the lives of her family and friends. She loved and cared for numerous animals, including her grandpets, Sammy, Isabella, Seneca, and Gypsy.

Barbara is survived by her husband, Patrick E. Metz, of the home; her son, Matthew Tallant, and his fiancée, Crystal Wilson, of the home; her sisters-in-law, Patricia Tallant of Conover, NC, and Sheila T. Clark of Myrtle Beach, SC; and several nieces, nephews, and cousins.

Barbara’s family wishes to thank Dr. Nancy Morgan and her staff for their thirty years of loving care.

Services for Mrs. Barbara Tallant Metz will be held Saturday, December 20, 2014 at 2:00 p.m. at Union Grove Baptist Church with Reverend Sam Craven officiating. The family will receive friends at the church prior to the service from 1:00 p.m. until 2:00 p.m.

In lieu of flowers, memorials may be sent to Union Grove Baptist Church Benevolence Fund or Project Faith, 1808 Union Grove Road, Lenoir, NC 28645.

Pendry’s Lenoir Funeral Home is honored to be serving the family Mrs. Barbara Tallant Metz.