Helen Gentry, 93

March 24, 1933 – June 20, 2026

On March 24, 1933, a baby girl named Helen Frances was born to Bertha Chapman Williams and Lark Williams in Blue Springs, where she lived her entire life. Helen departed this llfe on June 20, 2026 from Sanctuary Hospice in Tupelo MS.

Growing up on a farm she hoed corn, picked cotton, milked cows, gathered eggs, and picked vegetables. As a girl, she wished for something to pick cotton so she would not have to do it by hand and because her father always drove a pickup she wished for one with two rows of seats. She lived long enough to see both of these invented.

Helen graduated as Salutatorian of Sherman High School’s graduating class of 1951. Shortly after graduation, she married the love of her life, Donald Gentry, on June 23, 1951. They shared 68 years together before his death on March 11, 2020.

Helen was the oldest member of Locust Hill Baptist Church, where she served as church secretary for over 50 years. She never had a pastor that was not invited to her house for a home cooked meal and she showed great love to all of the church members.

After their marriage, Donald was on assignment in the Army. Helen remained in Blue Springs and began working at Joyner-Fields shirt factory where she sewed pockets on men’s shirts. She worked there until their children came. She remained a stay-a-home mother until her children started school.

Helen leaves behind a daughter, Dr. Lynnice Carter (Charles) and a son, Douglas Gentry (Dorenda); four grandchildren, Jason Carter, Alison Goodwin (Bradford), Thomas Gentry and Rachel Gentry; and three great-grandchildren, Jon Carter Goodwin, Everett Goodwin, and Camille Goodwin all of Blue Springs. She also leaves behind a double first cousin, Lynette Sibo of Tupelo and her best friend Linda Westbrook of Belden and her church family.

She is preceded in death by her husband, Donald; her parents, Lark and Bertha Williams; her in-laws, Noel and Vicie Brazille Gentry; and her grandparents, Perry and Flora Brandon Chapman and Will and Annie Ellis Williams

Services to honor her life will be on Tuesday, June 23 at 1:00pm with visitation on Monday from 6:00- 8:00pm and Tuesday from noon until the start of the service. All being at United Funeral Service. Burial will be at Locust Hill Cemetery in Blue Springs, MS.

Please follow the funeral home link above for further information, or to send online condolences or memorial gifts.

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