Bebee Darlene Metcalf

Bebee Darlene Metcalf, 73, of Center, Texas, passed away on Sunday, December 17, 2017 in Center. She was born on September 19, 1944 in Denison, Texas to Whit Darrell Lewis, Jr. and Martha Jane Simms Lewis. Funeral services for Mrs. Metcalf will be at 10:00 AM on Wednesday, December 20, 2017 at Mangum Funeral Home Chapel with Bro. Josh Sanford officiating. Interment will follow at Duncan Cemetery.

A visitation will be from 5:00 PM to 7:00 PM on Tuesday, December 19, 2017 at Mangum Funeral Home.

Bebee grew up in Houston where she attended Smiley High School and graduated as a member of the Class of 1963. Bebee was very involved in school activities and was devoted to her studies as well. She was an honor student with straight A's and was a member of the National Honor Society. Bebee was unbelievably smart and talented. She was the captain of the Colleenes, which was the drill team at Smiley High School. Her skill and finesse were beautiful to watch. After high school, Bebee began her higher education at Southern Methodist University in hopes to pursue a degree in nursing. Soon after, she met a young man, Jimmy Metcalf, through mutual friends. He was dating someone else at the time, but there was a spark there that would become a lifelong love story. Jimmy and Bebee dated on and off for seven or eight years before finally getting married.

Although Bebee never finished her degree as a nurse, she did pursue another passion. She loved working with children and began working at a Lutheran School in Houston. She and Jimmy eventually moved to Center to care for his mother and she went to work for Center ISD at CH Daniels and later, Center Intermediate School where she would remain for over twenty years until retirement. She was a dedicated and well-loved member of Center ISD caring for and reaching out to every student, teacher and staff member who had the pleasure of working with her.

Bebee was the epitome of a Proverbs 31 woman. She had to become an adult quickly as a child and helped to care for her own siblings. She was an amazing and wonderful sister and her love for family and helping with kids carried throughout her lifetime. She was selfless and willing to do whatever was necessary to help other people. Bebee was concerned about others above herself. She never asked for anything or wanted anything in return. She simply found satisfaction in knowing that she was able to care for another life. Bebee was independent and strong-willed, but was also compassionate and a true servant to mankind. Bebee had such a positive and upbeat personality. Even when diagnosed with cancer, Bebee stayed focused and did not let anything bring her down. She was a fighter and she fought hard for a decade. At her weakest, Bebee remained strong, filled with unwavering, immovable faith. She had a hope beyond comprehension and even in death, was filled with complete peace knowing that she had accepted Jesus Christ as her Savior.

Bebee did enjoy working at the school, but what a fun-filled and loving life she led outside of those walls. She loved to garden, cooking, buying from Home Shopping Network, doing her Bible study and attending Sunday School and fellowship with her Sunday School class at First Baptist Church. More than anything, she treasured spending time with her family, most especially her grandson, Jax. Bebee was a lifelong member of First Baptist Church in Center. Her sweet, gentle spirit and the sunshine that she brought to so many lives will be greatly missed among so many who loved her.

Bebee is survived by her sons, John Wesley Metcalf of Center and Justin Wesley Metcalf and wife, Bethany of Center; honorary daughter, Amanda Kirby and husband, Kris of Center; grandson, Jax Wesley Metcalf of Center; honorary grandchildren, Madison Kirby, Slade Kirby and Sawyer Kirby, all of Center; brothers, Michael Lewis of Vista, California and Ted Lewis and wife, Lorrie of Pasadena, Texas; sister, Paula Lewis of Pasadena, Texas; niece, Kelly Finney and husband, Cary of Deerpark; nephews, Brandon Lewis of Vista, California, David Lewis and wife, Amanda of Vista, California, and Darrell Lewis of Houston; great niece, Madison of Deerpark; great-nephews, Aiden and Ashton of Vista, California, and Tanner and Colt of Deerpark; numerous other family and dear friends.

She is preceded in death by her parents, Whit and Martha Lewis and her husband, Jimmy Wesley Metcalf.

Pallbearers are Bernard Metcalf, Shannon Metcalf, Justin Metcalf, Wesley Metcalf, Ted Lewis and Mike Lewis.

Honorary pallbearers are Kris Kirby and Alberto Campos.

In lieu of flowers, the family asks that donations be made to First Baptist Church, 117 Cora Street, Center, Texas, 75935.