Early Life:

Ethel Gentry was born on August 15, 1943 in Salem Alabama to the late Pleas and Eliza (Key) Green. She attended Motts and Wacoochee School in Salem Alabama. While in high school she danced every Saturday morning on the show Dancing with the Duces. She accepted Jesus Christ at an early age and attended Concord Church in Salem Alabama. 1n 1960 she married the love of her life Robert Gentry in Phenix City Alabama. While living in Alabama, Ethel and Robert had  four children; Brenda, Virginia, Bennie and Cynthia.

Religious Background:

Ethel and Robert moved to Cleveland in 1965 and had one more child Ronnie in 1969. In Cleveland she joined Holy Trinity Baptist Church under the leadership of the late Reverend Henry J. Payden Sr. and the current leadership of Rev. Dr. Chelton C. Flanagan. Ethel served faithfully in many roles including the Sanctuary Choir, Usher Board, Deaconess and Sunday School member where she enjoyed her church family. A devout Christian, she instilled the love of God in all her children.

Family Life & Work Career:

Ethel was a homemaker while her children were younger. She loved raising her five children and cooking big family meals. When her youngest child began school, Ethel began working outside the home. She first served at Moses Cleaveland School as a Lunch Aide. As her children became older, she worked for many years at Sears until retirement. She later volunteered at Goodwill.

Hobbies & Interest:

Ethel pursued many interests. When in in high school, she danced every Saturday morning on the show, Rock-in with the Deuce. She liked bowling and was on a bowling league. She enjoyed walking and exercising with her friends at Zelma George Center. She loved traveling and visited places including Alaska, Bahamas and California where she appeared on the Price is Right show.

Loved Ones:

Ethel Departed this life on January 18, 2024 at Regency Hospital. She leaves to cherish her memory a loving husband Robert Gentry of 63 years: Children; Brenda Gentry, Virginia (Tim) Stone, Bennie (Christy) Gentry, Cynthia (Isaac) Blair, Ronnie Gentry and a Granddaughter, Melissa Stone; Three sister in-laws, Dorothy Patterson of Opelika, Alabama, Joyce Gentry of Dallas Texas and Margeret Gentry of Cleveland, Ohio; One brother-in-law, Billie Willams of Smith Station Alabama, Claude (Mary) Phelps of Berea, Ohio, who she was raised with as her brother; and a special niece Caroline; a host of nieces, nephews, cousins, and friends. She was proceeded in death by a host of brothers and sisters.