Karleen Franklin Metcalf, 79, passed away on May 7, 2026. Born on October 29, 1946, she was the daughter of the late Nelson and Norma Jean Rice Franklin.

Karleen will be remembered for her strong work ethic, kind heart, and unwavering faith. She dedicated 37 years of service to Derringer-Ney, where she was known as a loyal and dependable employee. A faithful Christian, Karleen was a devoted member of Long Branch Baptist Church, where her faith and love for others were evident throughout her life.

In addition to her parents, she was preceded in death by her beloved husband, Joe Lynn Metcalf, who passed away in 2012; and her sisters, June Henderson and Ruby Gosnell.

Those left to cherish her memory include her loving daughters, Mary Carney and Melissa Coates; sisters, Imo Plemmons and Emma Hurst; brother, Oscar Franklin; grandchildren, Steven V. Adams II (Ashley) and Ryan Coates (father, Rodney Coates); and her cherished great grandson, Matthew Bowden. She also leaves behind many extended family members and friends who will fondly remember her gentle spirit and caring nature.

A funeral service will be held at 1:00 p.m. on Tuesday, May 12, 2026, in the Robbie Capps Memorial Chapel of Blue Ridge Funeral and Cremation Service, with Reverends Steve Honeycutt and Jordon Byrd officiating. Burial will follow in Old Bull Creek Baptist Church Cemetery.

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

Online condolences may be sent to the family at Blue Ridge Funeral and Cremation Service