Jennifer Petty Autrey

April 3, 1957 – November 3, 2024

Jennie Autrey, 67, passed away peacefully on November 3, 2024 in Auburn, AL.

Jennie was born in Greenville, AL to Clarence and Merle Petty. Jennie graduated from Greenville Academy in 1975 as Class Valedictorian. She received a BS degree in Accounting from Troy State University in December 1977, where she achieved a 4.0 GPA, while also participating as a majorette on the Sound of the South, Troy State marching band.

Jennie was married to Bert Autrey on February 18,1978 and began her business career in Accounting. She became a CPA by the age of 22 and worked with 2 different accounting firms in Montgomery, AL. She enjoyed her work in the Public Accounting sector for the first 10 years of her career, but later decided to move over to Private Accounting, going to work for Aronov Realty in Montgomery, AL. where she worked for the next 33 years until she retired in 2021. At Aronov, she thrived, while rising from Accounting Manager to eventually functioning as the CFO of one of the oldest and largest commercial real estate firms in the SE. She enjoyed being a part of the building/construction of malls, shopping centers, grocery stores, apartment complexes, houses and many developments across the Southeast.

Jennie was a leader in her field. She also served on many boards, (schools and business) and was a highly respected business woman in Montgomery, AL. But, her most proud accomplishment was raising 4 daughters with Bert. She loved her daughters. Their youngest child, Cari Autrey, was born with Down Syndrome in 1994. Jennie's major focus, and accomplishment for the last 30 years was to make sure that Cari lived as fulfilling life as possible, which included the three of them going to many, many Auburn football and basketball games. Jennie and Bert were best friends for 49 ½ years and worked together to raise their children to be good upstanding citizens and to be Christians. She loved her relationship with Jesus Christ and always exemplified his will in her life.

Jennie was preceded in death by her parents, Clarence Lee and Merle Flowers Petty. She is survived by her husband, Albert William (Bert) Autrey, and daughters, Jessica Autrey McArthur (Shannon McArthur), Melissa Autrey Brownell (Reed Brownell), Rachel Elizabeth Autrey and Cari Michelle Autrey, and her 5 grandchildren who she loved immensely, Emalyn Grace Adams, Samuel Albert Brownell, Katherine Louise Brownell, Annie Bea Brownell, and Ava Rose Autrey. Also, survivors to include her brother William Randall Petty and his wife Debbie Faulkner Petty and their 3 children, William Randall Petty Jr (Shanna Petty), Rebecca Lynn Petty, Joshua Ray Petty and great nephew, Liam Petty. Jennie loved her brother and his family, and was so proud of their life accomplishments.

The funeral and visitation will be held at her church, First Baptist Opelika at 301 S 8th St, Opelika, AL. 36801 on Wednesday, November 6, 2024. Visitation will be at 10AM in the sanctuary with funeral service to follow at 11AM in the sanctuary.

Graveside service will be at the Fort Dale Cemetery in Greenville, AL on Thursday November 7, 2024 at 1PM.

In lieu of flowers, Jennie and Bert ask that you send private donations to Braveheart Center for Place and Purpose. Braveheart is an Adult Special Needs program in Auburn, AL. Jennie, Bert and Cari love this program and it has been wonderful for Cari and for young adults with Special Needs in the Auburn area.

Please mail to:

Auburn University Foundation

317 S. College Street

Auburn University, AL 36849

Or online at Aub.ie/braveheartgift  This link goes to the CLA landing page and you click BraveHeart there and proceed to check out.

Frederick-Dean Funeral Home is assisting the family with arrangements.