Eva Lee Petrey

Eva Lee Graskewicz West Petrey, age 88, of Thomasville, GA, passed away peacefully on December 5 at Presbyterian Homes of Georgia, located in Quitman, GA.

Lee was born on August 6, 1937, in Pinckneyville, IL, the daughter of Marion Henry and Dorothy (Sawyer) Graskewicz. She met James Hugh West while working as a civilian at Scott Air Force Base in Carbondale, Illinois and they were married on December 21, 1962. They moved to the Thomasville area to be near his family and had three children - Vicki, Chris, and Craig. Jim preceded her in death on February 13, 1987. Lee considered South Georgia her home and remained in Thomasville following Jim's death.

After a chance encounter, Lee and James Roy Petrey dated and married on June 3, 1989. Their marriage is a shining example of a partnership built on love, faith, family, and commitment. Throughout Lee's illness, Roy's unwavering presence and care reflected the very essence of Ephesians 5:25-he loved her as Christ loves the church, with sacrificial devotion and enduring grace.

Lee worked in the Purchasing Department at Flowers Industries from 1978 until she retired in 2000. A devoted member of First Baptist Church, her faith was the cornerstone of her life, and she found great pleasure in singing in the choir and volunteering with Backpack Buddies and other church activities. She was an avid Yellowjacket football fan and in 2014, was honored by the Georgia Athletic Coaches Association for her forty-year support of the Thomas County Central High School Booster Club, serving as either Secretary or Treasurer, and often leading the annual membership drive. Lee loved her life in Thomasville.

Their large family, including children, grandchildren, and great-grandchildren were her greatest joy, and she took immense pride in their lives and accomplishments.

Survivors include her two sons, Chris (Renee) West of Panama City, FL, Craig (Lisa) of Macon, GA, a daughter, Vicki (Jimmy) Roy of Jacksonville, FL, one brother, Jon (Jan) Graskewicz of Hudson, Florida; two stepsons Jim (Jana) Petrey, Joe (Anna) Petrey, and a stepdaughter Machelle (Will) Watt.

Grandchildren: Kyle (Kristen) Griffis, Jared (Anastasia) Griffis, Garrett Roy, Morgan West, Cameron West, Jake West, Bobby West, Chelsy (Dillon) Rothstrum, Logan (Mikael) Linkenhoger, Paige (Jordan) Culpepper, Garrett (Devon) Brewer, Bailey (Zac) Connell, Elizabeth (Ryan) Hudson, Ariel Watt, Wyatt Petrey, Owen Petrey.

Great grandchildren: Arianne Slusher, Jasper Slusher, Hugh Slusher, Will Griffis, Meredith Griffis, James Griffis, Jack Brewer, Tilly Brewer, Huck Connell, Goldie Lou Connell, Anabelle Linkenhoger, Micah Linkenhoger, Peter Linkenhoger, and Beau Hudson. 

She was preceded in death by her parents, Jim West, her brother Kenneth Graskewicz of Pinckneyville, IL, and great-grandson Mitchell Joe Linkenhoger.

Funeral services will be held on Monday, December 8, 2025, at 2 PM at Thomasville First Baptist Church Chapel. Prior to the service, a visitation will take place from 12 PM to 2 PM. Lee's life was inspired by faith, family, and football. She will be greatly missed by all who know and love her.