Frances Free

Canton – Frances Metcalf Free, 93, of the Bethel Community, passed away on Friday, October 29, 2021 at her residence.

Frances was a native and lifelong resident of Haywood County and a daughter of the late John and Effie Rogers Metcalf.  In addition to her parents, she was preceded in death by her husband, Carlos M. Free, who died in 2012; a daughter, Carolyn Grogan; and a granddaughter, DeAnna Free.  Frances was a member of Mt. Zion Baptist Church and retired in 1981 from American Enka Corporation with 22 years of service.  She also was a former employee of Springdale Country Club where many will remember her delicious biscuits.

She is survived by two sons, Dean Free (Lisa) of Lexington, Alabama and Roger Free (Sharon) of Canton; one sister, Martha Grooms of Canton; three brothers, Zane Metcalf of Athens, Georgia, Keith Metcalf of Elberton, Georgia, and Rex Metcalf of Rock Hill, South Carolina; two grandchildren, Anthony Free and Amanda King; nine great-grandchildren; Austin, Elijah, Logan, Jackson, Lundyn, Camden, Carter, Caroline, and Maverick; and one great-great-granddaughter, Ava.

A funeral service will be held at 2:00 p.m. on Wednesday, November 3, 2021 at Mt. Zion Baptist Church with the Reverend Eddie Deitz and Reverend Dr. Jack Holland officiating.  Burial will follow at Bethel Community Cemetery.  The family will receive friends from 12:30 until 2:00 p.m. prior to the service at the church.  Serving as pallbearers will be grandsons and great-grandsons.

In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to Mt. Zion Baptist Church Lottie Moon Offering, 261 Dix Creek Road, Canton, NC  28716.

The care of Mrs. Free has been entrusted to Wells Funeral Homes of Canton and an online memorial register is available at “Obituaries” at www.wellsfuneralhome.com