Carol Lee Petty, Centerville, was called home on February 12, 2022, after a brief, sudden illness. She was born October 23, 1946, in Williamson, West Virginia to Clifford and Mary (Shawhan) Conley but lived most of her life in Richmond and Centerville. Carol grew up on the south side of Richmond. She attended Southside Baptist Church in her youth and Sylvan Nook Church of Christ as an adult. She was a graduate of Richmond High School. In July of 1964, she married her southside friend and schoolmate, Gary Petty. They enjoyed music, movies, and car shows together. They moved to Centerville, raised three lovely daughters, and had 50 years together before he passed. She was, also, preceded in death by her parents and an infant grandson, Joshua George.
Carol spent wonderful childhood summers in the countryside of Pikeville, Kentucky with her special Aunt Talitha. There she developed a lifelong love of reading. She had a love of gardening passed on from her father and always looked forward to Spring. She was a talented seamstress and loved quilting shows live and on television. She had a special connection with the sea and beach visits were her favorite retreat.
Carol worked briefly at Avco in the late ’60s but spent most of the 70’s home with her girls reading, sewing, playing, and baking. In the 80’s she worked for Jo-Ann fabrics but most in public would recognize her as a K-Mart lady. She worked at the westside K-mart for 25 years. She had many special friends there.
Carol leaves behind three grateful daughters Maria (Rick) George of Richmond, Heather (Matt) Smarelli of Whiteland and Sarah Petty of Centerville, two loving sisters Janet Newland and Linda Margie Doyle, and five blessed grandchildren full of loving memories, Richard George, Joel George, Travis Smarelli, Mason Smarelli, and Maria Smarelli.
There will be a private graveside service and a private family meal. In lieu of flowers or food please donate to Dolly Parton’s book program https://imaginationlibrary.com/ or take time today to read to a child.