Carol Laverne Tatum Brey, 81, of Shepherdsville, a native of Samuels, died Tuesday, Oct. 28, 2025, at UofL South. She was born July 19, 1944 in Samuels. She was proud of the accomplishment of scoring higher than any other woman in the United States on her college entrance exam. She enjoyed sewing, collecting coins, buying and selling items on Facebook, and was an avid reader who read three books weekly. She loved the Lord, was a prayer warrior and a Christian.
She always enjoyed telling the story about when she and her husband Kenny were dating, he would hitchhike from Howardstown to Samuels and back every Sunday just to see her. They went on to be married for 54 years.
She was preceded in death by her loving husband of 54 years, Kenneth “Kenny” Brey; her parents, Stanley and Marie Downs Tatum; one sister, Irma Brown; and two cats, Macho and Quarterpounder.
She is survived by three sisters, Patricia (Dan) Spelbring, Ellen (Bill) Smith, and Betty (Tim) Gribbins; one brother, Clifton Tatum; and several nieces and nephews.
The funeral is noon Friday, Oct. 31, 2025, at Barlow Funeral Home with burial in Bardstown Cemetery with Pastor Dave Keeling officiating.
Visitation is 10 a.m. to noon Friday, Oct. 31, 2025, at the funeral home.
Barlow Funeral Home is in charge of arrangements.
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