Sylvia Burkhalter Nancarrow passed away on December 23, 2024, at the age of 96. She is survived by her daughter, Beth Nancarrow Rabb (Bill), and son-in-law, Rob Metcalf; four grandchildren, Nancarrow Rabb McClendon (Tim), Kelly Rabb (Rachel), Calloway Rabb (Mica) and Camp Metcalf; nine great grandchildren, Nancarrow Grace McClendon, Cole McClendon, Will Rabb, Miller Rabb, Mallory Rabb, Cooper Rabb, Milan Rabb, Jake Rabb, and Cleo Donna Metcalf. She is preceded in death by her parents, Brunson and Daily Burkhalter; sisters Lora Lyda, Georgia Martin, Patsy Elliott; brother, James Burkhalter; her daughter, Donna Nancarrow Metcalf; and great-granddaughter, Kayleigh Blair McClendon.
She was born on a farm in Flat Rock, Alabama on June 8, 1928. Her mother died when she was 10 making life hard and causing her to grow up fast, but school was always a priority. Every day – rain or snow or frigid weather, she walked a mile to catch the bus to Pisgah High School. After graduation, there was no money for college, so she moved to Chattanooga to work as a billing clerk and living at the YWCA. When her daddy became ill, she moved back home to help take care of him.
George was always a part of her life. She couldn’t remember life without him. They dated through high school and married on July 21, 1951. His first coaching job was at Speake where he made $250 a month. Needless to say, money was tight. She worked at Willow Products until Beth arrived. From then on, she was a full-time wife, mother and George’s biggest supporter. They moved several times as George moved up in his career. She was the ever-constant support behind all his successes, the loving wife by his side, the unpaid secretary when West Morgan was opened, and unwavering help-mate for more than 70 years.
She was abundantly blessed with the gift of hospitality. She never sat still, always working diligently to keep their home open and ready for company. Visitors were always welcome to stay, eat, and then eat some more. Her tiny stature disguised a work ethic like no other, and a stubborn streak that gave way to no one but George. She loved without reservation and was always willing to share her opinion, whether you asked for it or not!
She loved the Lord and served Him well. She spent most of her life teaching Sunday school – if you were in her class, you memorized 1 Corinthians 13 and the Lord’s Prayer! She was a great cook and loved baking. She especially enjoyed baking applesauce cakes and delivering them to shut-ins. Even in her 90’s she was determined to visit people, even if that required climbing a fence to get to the door!
Her greatest joy was her family. She loved them well – fed them well – and bossed them well. She will be missed greatly, but her example will live on in those that knew and loved her.
Pallbearers will be her grandsons and great grandsons.
Friends and family are invited to visit at Trinity Methodist Church on Friday, December 27, from 10:30 – 12:00. The funeral service will be held at the church at 12:00 with Don Burkhalter and Greg Burnett officiating. Burial will follow at Roselawn. In lieu of flowers, the family requests that memorials be made to Trinity Methodist Church or Prayers for Kayleigh, PO Box 1772, Hartselle, AL. Arrangements have been entrusted to Peck Funeral Home.
