Corley Elementary was named after the Corley family that used to farm the land before Gwinnett County became a county.

     Since education was very important to them most of the family members had a significant role in the field of education. Thus, many became teachers. Sarah Corley Roberts taught in Duluth and Lilburn and Corley Gilbert served as a substitute teacher. Dan Smith, one of the brothers-in-law taught at Duluth High for over 30 years and Louise Corley Dyer worked in the office at Dyer Elementary for many years.

     Several of the Corley family members also served in the political arena. A.J. Corley was a county commissioner. His son, Minor, also was a commissioner. W.M. Corley served as a council member in Duluth and Marlon Corley served on the City Council and as a Mayor in Duluth.

Left to Right: Emma, Luster, Ella, Lily, & Molly
Seated: Dallas and Susan Corley

This is a picture of Ophilia Corley Gilbert, a substitute teacher, and Glenda in front of a smoke house. Smoke houses were used for smoking, salting, and preserving meat before refrigeration.

In the 1900’s, M.D. Corley built a store on the land where Corley Elementary is presently located. Ten years later D.L. Corley Sr. took over the store and expanded the business