Evelyn Holb Zerfoss

Evelyn Holb Zerfoss passed away peacefully on March 6, 2026. Born on October 16, 1934 in Akron, Ohio, she attended the University of Akron. After a brief teaching career, she became a stewardess for American Airlines during the Golden Age of Air Travel, an experience she cherished as she lived in Dallas, Chicago, and Los Angeles. In 1959, following her marriage, she settled in Nashville, where she raised three children.

An avid athlete, Evelyn first embraced tennis in her early thirties before discovering her passion for running. She could often be seen running the Blvd at a time when few others were out on the road. Over twenty years she qualified for and competed in several Boston and Marine Corps Marathons. She held the state record for many years in the 1500M for women runners aged 60 and over. Even in her late eighties, when she relied on a walker, Evelyn continued to time herself as she moved back and forth across her townhome community at Arden Place.

She maintained many long-standing friendships, including more than sixty years as a member of the women’s garden club known as the Wednesday Weeders. Evelyn served on the boards of the local YMCA, Ronald McDonald House, Nashville Striders, and Susan G. Komen Foundation. Yet in her later years, her greatest joy came from her role as grandmother to five grandchildren and five great-grandchildren.

Evelyn was preceded in death by her parents, Andrew and Anna Maria Holb; her first husband, William T. Calton, Sr.; her second husband of 39 years, Thomas B. Zerfoss, Jr.; her brother, Andrew Holb, Jr.; and her sister, Anne Holb Carson. She is survived by her children, William T. Calton Jr., Catherine Calton Wrenn (John), and John Andrew Calton (Anne); stepchildren Leigh Zerfoss Atkins (Hunter) and Thomas B. Zerfoss III (Emily); grandchildren Kristen Wrenn, Patrick Wrenn (Jennifer), Graham Wrenn (Hailey), Elizabeth Faulks (Jonathan), and Andrew Calton (Megan); and great-grandchildren Madeleine Wrenn, Eleanor Wrenn, Jane Klabo-Wrenn, Laurel Faulks, and Warner Faulks. She is also survived by many beloved nieces, nephews, and their families. The family wishes to express deep gratitude to her devoted caretaker and dear friend Doreen, who cared for her with such dedication for more than three years.