Hazel Metcalf Peterson, 77, went home to be with the Lord on Monday, September 15, 2025, surrounded by her loving family. She was born August 1, 1948 in Madison county and was the daughter of Lucille Hylemon Metcalf and the late Fred F. Metcalf. She is preceded in death by her late siblings Ruth Penland, John Metcalf, and Paul Metcalf.

Surviving is her husband of 25 years, Dallas K. Peterson; daughters, Lynn Maloy (Wes) and Stacey Hughes; son, Steven Hughes (Leslie); brother, Bill Metcalf (Cathy); and sister, Betty Brown (John). She was lovingly known as Nanny Hazel by her eight grandchildren, Ashley Tanner (Andrew), Brooke Lusk (Roy), Sarah Maloy, Coby Hughes (Ericka), Benjamin Hughes (Kailey), Austin Hughes (Alisha), Jacob Hughes (Kaila), MaKayla Harvey; and her sixteen great grandchildren. Hazel had many beloved nieces and nephews and was loved by all who knew her.

Hazel never met a stranger! She served as a District Manager in the restaurant business for more than 20 years. After retiring from the restaurant business, Hazel got her CDL license and enjoyed traveling all over the country with her devoted husband, Dallas, in his 18-wheeler. We still laugh about the time Dallas unknowingly left her at a rest stop in Arizona at 3 a.m.!

Hazel lived a life full of love, joy and adventure. She cherished spending time with her family, creating countless memories that will be treasured forever. She found great happiness in gardening. She also loved to be in the kitchen, making her famous spaghetti sauce, pickling, and canning, and sharing her creations with family and friends. If you were lucky to get one of her hand-written recipes, she always ended them with "Enjoy".

Her adventurous spirit took her far and wide. Hazel traveled to 49 of the 50 states (Alaska was on her bucket list), as well as to Israel, Canada, Egypt, and Mexico. Among her most profound experiences was being baptized in the Jordan River, a moment that reflected her deep faith and love for the Lord. Hazel was a faithful member of Brookside Baptist Church in Bristol TN where she loved to sing in the choir.

Hazel's life was one of love, laughter, and gratitude. She taught us the importance of cherishing family, exploring the world, and embracing simple joys. We will never forget some of her famous sayings: "Well, what about that", "I'll declare", "Well, I ain't never" and our favorite "that's slicker than a cow on ice". She affectionally called everyone "honey" and people gravitated to her kind nature.

The family extends heartfelt gratitude to the amazing staff in the Cardiac Intensive Care Unit at Mission Hospital for adoringly caring for our Momma. In her last days she spoke of "fields of flowers" and "the peace of God, which passeth all understanding" Philippians 4.7 (KJV). In her final days, Momma showed unparalleled braveness and consistently shared with her family and care team that when she became absent from the body that she would instantly be present with the Lord. She leaves a powerful testimony to all who knew her.

Funeral services will be held at 1:00 pm Saturday, September 20, 2025, at Mt. Sheba Baptist Church in Weaverville, NC. Reverends Mike Nixon and Steve Rhinehart will officiate.

The family will receive friends one hour prior to the service at the church.

Online condolences may be sent to the family at www.blueridgefuneralservice.org.