Sylvia Belle Vernon Gentry

Sylvia Belle Vernon Gentry, age 93, passed from this life to life eternal early Wednesday morning, July 30, 2025. She was born May 16, 1932 in Cana Virginia to Willie L. Vernon and Nettie Vaughn Vernon.

August 26, 1950 she married the love of her life, Revis Sebron Gentry. Two children were born to this union, a son – Randy Revis Gentry, and daughter Kathy Sylvia Gentry Joyce.

A devout Christian woman, she was known for her loving heart and humble spirit—a presence cherished by all who knew her. A devoted member of Oak Ridge Baptist Church for more than 80 years, she held the honor of being its oldest living member at the time of her passing. Her faith was lived out in service: teaching Sunday School and Vacation Bible School, singing with the choir, and playing the piano. She was also known for her legendary chicken-&-dumplings— a favorite at many church gatherings.

Throughout 64 years of marriage, she and her husband Revis created a lifetime of memories. Together, they enjoyed time with friends and filled their days with joyful adventures—from roller skating and croquet to bicycling, motorcycling, camping, and traveling coast to coast. These adventures gave rise to countless treasured stories, retold with laughter and affection.

Her devotion extended into her professional and family life. She lovingly cared for her grandchildren and great-grandchildren, worked on the Dietary Staff at St. Paul School, and was employed by Quality Mills (later Russell Corp). In her final working years, she and Revis ran Gentry Farms side by side, cultivating both the land and a legacy of dedication and togetherness.

In their final years together, she once again became a loving caregiver when illness left Revis paralyzed. With unwavering dedication, she remained by his side to the very end—honoring the vow they had lived by for decades: to walk through every season hand in hand. Together, they met those challenging days with grace, upheld by their enduring love and faith.

Left to cherish her memory are her children: Randy Gentry (Sylvia), and Kathy Joyce (Jimmy). Grandchildren: Randi Riggs (Tony), Sean Joyce (Kristy-Ann), Kim Lyons (Danny), Adrianne George (Richard Migliara), Stephen George (Julie), Ten Great Grandchildren: Samantha Riggs, Farrah Riggs, Halle Joyce, Kady Joyce, Gabriel George, Amelia George, Brett Lyons, Micah Lyons, Luke Lyons, and Alba Migliara.

In addition to her husband and parents, she was preceded in death by her brother Hurley Vernon, sister Mary Sue Vernon Veit, and special friends Bobby and Nancy Combs.

The family wishes to express their sincere gratitude to the staff at Dunmore Plantation for the compassionate and attentive care they provided during Mama’s final days.

The family will receive friends at her home on Saturday, 11 am. to 4 pm. Funeral Services will be held at Oak Ridge Baptist Church, on Sunday, August 3, 2025 at 2 p.m.,, with one hour visitation prior to the service. Officiating will be Elder Jimmy Joyce, Pastor Darrell Tate, Rev. David Sechrist, and Rev. Kevin Combs. Burial will follow in the church cemetery.

Flowers will be accepted, or memorial donations may be made to Dunmore Plantation, PO BOX 705, Dobson, NC 27017.