Elma “Joyce” Frye VanMetre—better known as “Nanny”—was born December 22, 1936, in Elwood, Indiana, to Merle D. Frye and Ethel VanHorn Frye. She passed away peacefully on August 15, 2025, surrounded by family after a short hospital stay.
Even in her final days, she stayed true to herself—using some colorful language with the hospital staff and making sure everyone knew exactly what she thought. That was Nanny. No sugarcoating. No guessing games. You always knew where you stood with her, and she wouldn’t have it any other way.
She loved Elvis, her family, wrestling, cooking shows, and every one of her beloved pets. She spent her working years in the dry-cleaning business before joining Kmart, where she worked nearly twenty years.
She was preceded in death by the love of her life, Gerald “Jerry” VanMetre; her parents; two infant sisters; siblings Merle “Junior” Frye, Patsy Niccum, Judith Ricci, and Ronnie Frye; great-granddaughter Madison Paige Thompson; and her best friend, Cindy Stanley.
She is survived by her daughters Pam Handley (Donnie) and Jo Dunagan (Richie); her
brother Skip Frye (Nancy); sisters-in-law Crystal Frye and Sue Frye; grandchildren Angie
Young, Matt Handley, Jenni Lindsey (Tyler), Jason Handley (Telia), Patrick Dunagan (Britney), and Kelsey Cornelius (Eric); great-grandchildren Nathan Weeks, Isiah Young, Abby Young, Madison Lindsey, Kyra Thompson, Cole Green, Brilee Handley, Landon Dunagan, Jayde Handley, Maison Cornelius, Makenna Handley, Kailo Dunagan, Avery Handley, Jagger Dunagan, and Irelynd Dunagan; and two great-great-grandchildren, Jalen Reburn and Beckham Young. She also leaves behind many nieces, nephews, and their families, along with her pets, Penny and Callie.
Nanny was one of a kind. She told it like it was, loved fiercely, and left no doubt about how she felt. Her family and friends will carry her stories, her sass, and her love with them always.
Services: Visitation will be held at Cullman Heritage Funeral Home at 2 p.m., followed by the funeral service at 3 p.m. Burial will follow at Cullman Heritage Cemetery.
