Lorene Yvonne Gentry

Lorene Yvonne Gentry, a retired homemaker and business woman, was born August 9, 1933 in Agnes, Parker County, Texas to Claude and Ruby Niblett.  She married Donald (Don) Isaac Gentry on July 29, 1951.  They have been married over 71 years and have lived in Paradise and Cottondale during their married years.  She is descended from great-great grandparents who settled in Wise County prior to 1845.

Funeral is 2 PM Thursday at First Baptist Church in Cottondale with burial at Cottondale Cemetery. Family will receive friends 6-8 PM Wednesday at Hawkins Funeral Home in Bridgeport.

Charles Pugh will officiate. Pallbearers are Sam Gentry, Kason Gentry, Chance Gentry, Matthew Weeden, Jason Gentry, and Timothy Gentry. Honorary Pallbearer is Billy G. Read.

Lorene graduated from Paradise High School in 1951 and after her marriage she was active in several family-owned businesses, including Boyd Feed Store, D&D Grocery, Boyd Hardware and DIG Ranch.  She and Don were a farming family for their entire married life and made it a priority to support their local community, church, schools and organizations.  Lorene was well known in the genealogy community and was active in Paradise Young Homemakers chapter, PTA, and 4-H Club leadership, while also supporting Don in his activities as Young Farmer and Soil Conservation activities.

They travelled extensively attending farm and ranching conventions and international farm tours.  They were founding members of the First Baptist Church of Cottondale since 1955.  Lorene was best known for home-cooked meals and baked goods.  There was always a place at their table for folks who worked on the ranch, visiting and resident preachers, neighbors and associates. 

Lorene is survived by her husband, daughter, Donna Weeden of Cottondale; sons Glenn Gentry and wife, Jean; Roger Gentry and wife Carla all of Cottondale; and Gary Gentry and wife Sherry of Decatur.  She is also survived by Eland Delgado, her great-grandson who has managed the ranch and her personal care for several years.  They are also survived by 11 grandchildren and 19 great-grandchildren; and one sister, Edna Wood of Paradise.  She is preceded in death by her parents, granddaughter, Shonna Perry and great-granddaughter, Kyndall Gentry.

Donations may be made to Wise County Historical Society, Inc.; Paradise Historical Society, Inc. or First Baptist Church of Cottondale in lieu of flowers.

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