Carolyn Ann Zirkle Petty, passed away May 17, 2021 with her family by her side. Carolyn was born June 7, 1945 and spent her childhood growing up in various places due to her father being in the United States Air Force. She had many wonderful memories of times she spent living in Farmington, England, and Albuquerque, New Mexico. She returned to Knoxville where she finished high school in 1963 at Central High School. She then married in 1968, moved to Strawberry Plains and began a family. Later, she attended Carson-Newman University and earned a business degree in 1990 while working as an administrative assistant in the business department and the academic dean's office. After retiring from Carson-Newman, she went on to work in the office at Dolly Parton's Stampede. Carolyn was always ready to share her Christian faith and participating in bible study and church attendance. She also enjoyed traveling around the country with her husband, William, in their RV and spending time with her grandchildren.
Carolyn was preceded in death by her father, James R. Zirkle, and her mother, Joann Scruggs Zirkle and her younger sister, Mary Coleen, preceded Carolyn in death. She is survived by her husband of 53 years, William Bruce Petty, Jr., and daughters, Christine Marie (Matt) Sacra and Teresa Anne (Joshua) Johnson; grandchildren, Zoe Sacra, Corbin Johnson, Zachary Sacra, Regan Johnson, and Mallory Sacra; brother, James H. Zirkle and wife Becky.
A Call at Convenience will be at McCarty-Evergreen Funeral Home, 7426 Asheville Highway, on Thursday, May 20, 2021 from 11:00 am to 5:00 pm. The graveside service will be private. Special thanks to Smoky Mountain Hospice for their compassionate care and especially BB, Kristi, Annie, Denise, and Chaplain Kim.
Condolences may be offered at www.mccartyevergreen.com.
