Carolyn Petrey

The family is heartbroken to announce the passing of our beloved wife, mother and grandmother, Carolyn Barnwell Petrey of Grayson, GA on September 11, 2026.

Born on July 24, 1948, in Middlesboro, Kentucky to the late Hubert and Judy Barnwell, Carolyn graduated from Cumberland College (University of the Cumberlands) in 1971 with a major in chemistry. There Dr. Petrey was in the student senate and served on the Baptist Student Union executive board. She did post graduate work at Florida Atlantic University before enrolling at Oklahoma State University College of Osteopathic Medicine. Carolyn’s aptitude and determination allowed her to excel at her calling. Dr. Petrey cared for countless patients as a physician at Family Practice Clinic in Lawrenceville, Georgia where she worked for over 30 years. She served as President of the Georgia Osteopathic Medical Association and was named Physician of the Year in 2000. She served as clinical professor at the Philadelphia College of Osteopathic Medicine, Pikeville College of Osteopathic Medicine and Emory University and trained medical students and interns through her practice. Dr. Petrey also served as Senior Aviation Medical Examiner for the FAA and as a delegate to the American Osteopathic Association House of Delegates. Dr. Petrey served on the University of the Cumberlands Alumni Board of Directors and served on the University’s Board of Trustees.

On August 16,1968, Carolyn married her college sweetheart, Dallas Petrey, and together they built a wonderful life, helping each other through pharmacy and medical schools, living in five states, and raising their daughter, Kathy. Their devoted marriage serves an inspiration to so many.

Carolyn did not possess just academic brilliance where she was known for throwing off the grading curve. She knew how to do everything. Whether it was cooking, baking and decorating custom birthday cakes for her grandchildren, sewing, gardening, figuring out the ending to mystery movies and books, quilting, folding fitted sheets, or even tending to cattle on their farm, Carolyn seemed to be able to do anything.

To those that knew Carolyn, she was so much more than her academic and professional accomplishments. She was an immensely loving and caring person who always put others before herself, she simply took care of everyone. Carolyn’s humble, strong and independent spirit was combined with compassion and kindness. As a wife, mother and Mamaw her wise advice, encouragement, and thoughtfulness will be missed without measure.

As evidenced by her worn leather-bound Bible and actively living her faith, Carolyn walked humbly with God and served as the hands and feet of Jesus. Her faith serves as an example for all of us.

She will be dearly missed by her husband of 58 years, Dallas: her daughter Kathy Braun (Chris); and grandchildren Michael, Alex and Caroline.

The family will hold a private service to remember and celebrate Carolyn. In lieu of flowers, the family requests donations be sent to St. Judes Children’s Hospital and Shriners Children's Hospital, two charities Carolyn has always supported.