Audrey was born on August 9, 1932, in Rockmart, GA, to Sydney Jackson Stone and Osia Mae Rice. She was raised along with her two sisters, Verlene and Geraldine, and spent her youth in Atlanta and other surrounding areas in Georgia. Audrey’s “claim to fame” were her uncles, Paul and Hoke Rice, who were well known musicians and composers that wrote and sold many songs, including the famous ballad “You Are My Sunshine”.
As a young adult, Audrey met and married Gorman Carey, a handsome Georgia Tech engineering student from Tennessee. After they were wed, the two relocated to Pennsauken, New Jersey for Gorman’s job at RCA, and later settled down in Merchantville to grow their family. While raising eight children, Audrey enjoyed bowling, camping with the family at Elk Neck State Park, boating, sailing, and many other outdoor activities. She was an avid sports fan, and enjoyed watching NASCAR, NFL and college football, baseball, golf, horse racing, the Olympics, and any other athletics available on TV.
Audrey had various employment opportunities throughout the years, including breeding, training and showing of the gun-dog breed, Irish Setter, co-owning a pet shop where she groomed various animals, and working for Clinique Cosmetics as one of their top sales agents. In 1983, Audrey and Gorman moved to a beautiful mountain and lakefront home in West Milford Twp, in the town of Oak Ridge, NJ, where they delighted in the diverse wildlife that visited their property. She finished her working days employed at various large pharmaceutical companies in the North New Jersey area, thoroughly enjoying her position as a temporary secretary. Ten years later, in 1993, the Careys retired to Florida, settling into a lovely home on a lake. Audrey and Gorman enjoyed many years of Florida’s amenities, including their favorite pastimes of exploring on their prized Sea Ray Cuddy Cabin boat, and discovering “hole in the wall” eateries with surprisingly delicious food.
The adventures ended when Audrey became the sole caregiver of her husband, who was advancing with Alzheimer's Disease. By 2006, Gorman had deteriorated significantly, which led to one of their daughters and family moving from New Jew Jersey and into the home to assist with care. After he passed away, Audrey was able to join her daughter and family in attending services at Deltona Lakes Baptist Church. It was at this time Audrey joined the senior ladies’ Sunday School Class, where she met Jesus Christ and received Him as Lord and Savior.
Audrey is predeceased by her husband, Gorman R Carey Sr., daughter Marie Harrigan, son Gorman R “Ray” Carey Jr., and sons in law, Michael Rizzuto and Bob Hehre. She is survived by her children: Michaelan Bickhart and husband Chuck, Kathleen Duffield and husband Lee, Gregory Carey, Theresa Krouse and husband Rick, Laura Hehre, and David Carey with his wife Sue; her 16 grandchildren: Jacqueline May, Ray Carey III, Samantha Carey, Eric Beasley, Adele Marky, Ryan Beasley, Annette Carey, Stephanie Carey, Erin Lewandowski, Rick Krouse, Patrick Hehre, Robert Hehre, Rachel Garcia, James Carey, Dan Carey, and Julia Massey; and her 13 great-grandchildren: Charlotte & Colton May, Kassandra & Preston Carey, Rachel & Pearl Marky, Cayla Beasley, Madison Bellus, Christian & Emily Lewandowski, Carter & Natalie Krouse, and soon-to-be babygirl Massey.
Audrey lived a full and long life, and will continue her adventure in Eternity, free from suffering and pain.
A visitation for Audrey will be held Friday, May 5, 2023 from 10:00 AM to 11:00 AM at Deltona Memorial Funeral Home, 1295 Saxon Blvd, Orange City, FL 32763. A funeral service will occur Friday, May 5, 2023 from 11:00 AM to 12:00 PM, 1295 Saxon Blvd, Orange City, FL 32763. A committal service will occur Friday, May 5, 2023 from 12:00 PM to 1:00 PM at Deltona Memorial Gardens, 1295 Saxon Blvd, Orange City, FL 32763.
Fond memories and expressions of sympathy may be shared at www.deltonamemorialfuneralhome.com for the Carey family.
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