PEGGY BLYTHE METZKER's Obituary
Peggy Ann Blythe Metzker was born on July 30, 1924 in Helena, Arkansas. Her father worked for the railroad so young Peggy Blythe traveled the state of Arkansas, eventually settling in Conway. Peggy was an only child and was doted on by her whole family. Some of Peggy’s earliest memories were seeing the original “Jazz Singer” and making sure she had the latest Shirley Temple dress.
Peggy attended Arkansas State Teachers College (now known as University of Central Arkansas) in Conway and was a member of the Tri-Sigma sorority. Before she graduated, she made the decision to move to Hollywood, California where she worked in an ammunitions factory and dress shop. World War II was ending and through a childhood friend in pilot school, she met her best friend and love of her life, Robert Metzker. She and Bob were married just nine months later in Boise, Idaho as they worked their way east to Chicago, where Bob attended Northwestern University. Peggy worked different jobs to support them both while Bob completed his degree in just three years. Their studio apartment was tiny, their love was enormous - Peggy famously recalled that when she and Bob moved into their first one bedroom apartment Bob had to actually call to her from another room – they had only known living life side by side.
In 1952 Bob and Peggy made the decision to move to Miami where Bob would attend the Law School at the University of Miami. Again, Peggy work diligently to support Bob, taking a position at First Federal Bank. After graduation, Bob started a law practice in the area of Perrine where they became dedicated members of Perrine-Peters UMC where Peggy was the Church Treasurer for many years. Peggy and Bob welcomed daughters Lisa and Beth into the world - there were no great supporter to helping children than Peggy Metzker. Be it Girls Scouts, PTA or just church activities, Peggy was always there. The Metzker home became that rare oasis where young people felt at home, unconditionally loved by Bob and Peggy.
Although an only child, she was an aunt and surrogate mother to many a teenager who walked through the door. Richard, Mark, Kurt, Susan, Jimmy, Kimberly, Erin, Janet, Missy, the Callahans, all of the Columbus boys and the Coral Gables girls and too many more to count. She loved them all.
She and Bob were also very involved in the PTA at the girl’s elementary school and were involved in several local and state political races, especially the States Attorney office where Bob at that time was a chief prosecutor for Richard Gerstein.
After the girls left the Girl Scouts, she and Bob then became MYF (Methodist Youth Fellowship) counselors where they took the time to drive kids to Lake Wales, North Carolina and more.
After Bob’s death, Peggy started the next phase of her life with travel, theater, and more. She and her dear friend Mary traveled to England and on to the Baltic States and Russia. They took cruises through the Panama Canal and trips to the Caribbean. She also toured Italy, England and Germany twice.
However, there was no place like the cabin in North Carolina. She and Bob had planned to retire there and were just a few months short before his unexpected passing. Although bittersweet in the beginning returning to Franklin became a joy as she went with family and friends to share in the mountains for nearly half a century.
Peggy was born and raised a Methodist and a dedicated servant her entire life. In 1972, after many prayers she and Bob decided to leave their beloved Perrine-Peters and switched their memberships to First United Methodist of Coral Gables. Peggy was a faithful member each Sunday and was a member of the Searchers Sunday School group, the Altar Guild and a member of United Methodist Women. Peggy was involved in both a small group and bible study where a core of women met every week for many years to study the scripture. Two of her most treasured activities was as the Church Volunteer Coordinator. Peggy made sure that there was a volunteer to staff the phones during the week, happily covering a shift if one could not be there, Peggy was also a steadfast servant to the Chapman Partnership Downtown – she boarded a bus once a month for ten years to serve meals to the homeless.
In 1989, Peggy became the role that she was meant to be, a grandmother to her darling Clara Blythe. The day that Clara was born, she immediately went to Jordan Marsh and bought her a Madame Alexander doll and a Christian Dior nightgown. She became Clara’s caregiver after Beth went back to work. They spent their afternoons together doing crafts, watching their programs and then snuggle time. Peggy took Clara to ballet classes, church choir, had her nails done while she was having her own hair done and attended every one of Clara’s plays, concerts and dance recitals. A few years later, Peggy was graced with the addition of the grandson of her heart, Harris. She was incredibly proud and would tell anyone who would listen how wonderful and talented her grandchildren were.
Peggy is survived by her loving daughters, Lisa Ann and Beth Fath, her cherished son-in-law, Tim, her precious grandchildren Clara and Harris and countless friends who loved her.
We rest in the knowledge that she has been reunited with our father and all the family and friends that went before her and we know that she was welcomed into heaven with “Well done, good and faithful servant.”
What’s your fondest memory of PEGGY?
What’s a lesson you learned from PEGGY?
Share a story where PEGGY's kindness touched your heart.
Describe a day with PEGGY you’ll never forget.
How did PEGGY make you smile?
