Niola Modelle Metcalf

METCALF Niola Modelle 1919 - 2008 Niola Modelle Metcalf passed from this earthly life on August 8, 2008, and is now with Jesus Christ her Lord. She is pre-deceased by her parents, Thomas Jewel and Mamie Holt, sisters, Mary Ondine Smith Hammond and Daythol Crawford. Born in Paduca, KY, she lived in Toledo since early childhood, graduating from Devilbiss High School in 1937. Modelle attended Taylor University, Upland, IN in 1941-42 and planned to become a social worker working with immigrant populations. Her loyalty and association with Taylor lasted throughout her lifetime. In 1995 Modelle received, along with her other classmates of 1945, a 50th anniversary commemorative diploma. This devotion to Taylor was demonstrated when, on her 80th birthday, her husband arranged for the newly proposed visual art center to be named in her honor. The Modelle Metcalf Visual Art Center was dedicated in 2001 with great celebration and joy. Married in 1942 to Coburn Bud Metcalf, the couple was privileged to have 66 years of marriage, working, serving and loving each other as life long partners. This great love was evident to all that knew them. Modelle was also devoted to their three children having served in Cub Scouts, Brownies, Girl Scouts, PTA, past president of the PTA, daily vacation Bible school and numerous other church activities with the Christian and Missionary Alliance. Her children have fond memories of the endless hours she supported them through music and art lessons. An avid gardener, she was a past member and president of the Mt. Vernon Garden Club and member of the Brandywine Garden club. As a traveler, she and her husband took great delight in visiting countries around the world keeping volumes of personal journals. In 1974 she accompanied her husband to the former Soviet Union as a delegate with the American Society of Civil Engineers Goodwill People-to-People tour. Retired from the JC Penney Co. after 15 years, she continued to enjoy lasting friendships with other Penney associates. In the words of the Board of Trustee resolution to name the Visual Arts Center at Taylor University, Modelles tribute is that she was the anchor that securely held her loved ones fast, and found joy in selflessly and sacrificially supporting those she loves. Modelle was a godly example and model of strength to her husband, children, grandchildren and great-grandchildren . Left to cherish her memory and the heritage she leaves is her beloved husband, Coburn; children, Beverly James Nelson, Thomas Janice Metcalf, JoAnne Lawrence Powell; 9 grandchildren, and 8 great-grandchildren. Visitation will be from 2:00-4:00 and 5:00-8:00 p.m. on Wednesday, August 13th, with the funeral service on Thursday at 11:00 a.m. at the Walker Funeral Home on Sylvania Ave. The family requests that memorials be made to the Modelle Metcalf Scholarship Fund that will be established for the Modelle Metcalf Visual Arts Center at Taylor University, Upland, Indiana.