Cover photo for Deborah Gentry's Obituary
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Deborah Gentry

September 22, 1957 — October 6, 2024

Deborah "Debbie" Gentry, beloved wife, mother, grandmother, sister, and friend, passed away peacefully on October 6, 2024, surrounded by her family. Born on September 22, 1957, to Bobby and Wilma Stansberry, Debbie was a proud graduate of Bradley Central High School's Class of 1975, where she served as a majorette in the marching band. Debbie is survived by her loving husband, Allan Gentry, and her cherished children: Aaron Stansell, Stephen (Shelby) Stansell, Landon Gentry, Beth Clark, and Kelly Gentry. Her siblings, Jeff (Janet) Stansberry and Terry (Michelle) Stansberry, also mourn her passing. She adored her grandchildren: Leighton Stansell, Reed Stansell, Hattie Lynn Stansell, Mabel Rae Stansell, Wade Stansell, Jordan (Hannah) Clark, Carson Clark, Hanah Clark, Parker Clark, Christian (Juliana) Byrd, and Hayden (Kali) Martin, as well as her great-grandchildren Rory Clark and Hixon Clark. Debbie will also be fondly remembered by her best friend Michelle Dannel, childhood best friend Lynn Campbell, and her many dear friends from the Class of 1975. Debbie's life was filled with laughter, joy, and love for family and friends. She took great pride in spending time with her children and grandchildren, attending their sports games, and making memories with those she loved most. Debbie cherished her friendships, especially with the ladies she graduated high school with, and delighted in reliving those fond moments throughout her life. Her infectious laughter and love of being "scared" by her siblings will be treasured by all who knew her. She was preceded in death by her parents, Bob and Wilma Stansberry, grandparents Wiley and Maggie Gaston and Dewey and Leona Stansberry, her brother Charles Stansberry, and nephew Colby Stansberry. In lieu of flowers, the family requests that donations be made to a charity of your choice in Debbie's honor. She will be deeply missed by all whose lives she touched. A special thank you to the physicians, nurses, and staff at Tennessee Cancer Specialist (TCS) in Knoxville, TN as well as the Vanderbilt Ingram Cancer Center in Nashville,TN. Additionally a special thank you to Dr. Lee at TCS and Angela Fitzpatrick at Vanderbilt. A celebration of Debbies' life will be held on Thursday October 10th, 2024 at East Athens Baptist Church with Pastor Gary Sears and Rev. Mike Dannel officiating. Her family will receive friends from 4pm until the 7pm service. Pallbearers to serve are Allan Gentry, Aaron Stansell, Stephen Stansell, Jeff Stansberry, Terry Stansberry, Landon Gentry with Honorary Pallbearers Beth Clark and Kelly Gentry. A graveside service will be held on Friday October 11th, 2024 starting at 11am which will be held at Mt. Olive Church of God Cemetery. You are invited to share a personal memory of Debbie or your condolences with her family at her online memorial located at www.companionfunerals.com.

Service Schedule

Past Services

Visitation

Thursday, October 10, 2024

4:00 - 7:00 pm (Eastern time)

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East Athens Baptist Church

301 Central Avenue
Athens, TN 37303

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Funeral Service

Thursday, October 10, 2024

7:00 - 8:00 pm (Eastern time)

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East Athens Baptist Church

301 Central Ave
Athens, TN 37303

*Standard text messaging rates apply.

Burial

Friday, October 11, 2024

11:00am - 12:00 pm (Eastern time)

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Mt. Olive Church of God Cemetery

3296 Harrison Pike
Cleveland, TN 37311

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