Lola Gentry

Obituary For Lola Gentry

A radiant Spirit departed this world on Friday, December 12, 2025 at Atrium Cleveland in Shelby, North Carolina, leaving behind an immeasurable legacy of love and light. Lola Mae Gentry, a beacon of hope and kindness was 91 years old when she transitioned to eternal peace.

Born on May 18, 1934 in Cleveland County, North Carolina, she embodied the true essence of compassion and selflessness from a very early age. Her unwavering devotion to Jesus Christ guided her life’s journey inspiring countless lives through her generosity and care. As a pillar of Eskridge Grove Missionary Baptist Church, she served with dedication on the Usher Board and other groups for many years: exemplifying her commitment to serving others. Her loving heart extended to her family including her children, grandchildren, great-grandchildren and great-great-grandchildren whom she cherished dearly. She served many years as a member of the local Elks Lodge, a dedicated Princess House Consultant, served faithfully as both local and district President of the Shelby Negro Woman’s Club, being named the 2006 Woman of the Year.

Ms. Lola (as she was so affectionately called), was a retired textile operator and supervisor at Celanese, Inc. She also devoted many years to Cleveland Memorial Hospital, touching lives through her work, which was a testament to her faith. Her infectious laugh, infallible spirit, love for music, dancing, books, traveling, gardening, and socializing will certainly be missed. May she rest in eternal peace, knowing that her legacy of love and kindness will forever inspire all those that knew her.

She was preceded in death by her parents, Carlise and Beatrice Lockett, sisters, Lula Mae Lockett, Mattie Kates, and Minnie Sue Watson; brothers, James and Donald Lockett; son, William Michael Gentry, granddaughter, Telisa Denise Grier and son-in-law Phillip Robinson.

She leaves to carry on her spirit a sister, Dorothy Woods of Shelby, NC; a big sister’s love is like a rose; and brother; John Lockett (Beatrice) of Tulsa, OK; daughters, Shirley Ann Robinson of Kings Mountain, NC and Billie Joe Gentry of Shelby, NC; granddaughter, LaSandra “Sandy” Grier of Shelby, NC; grandsons, Michael Dalton Gentry and Jordan Lowery Gentry both of Shelby, NC; along with three very special God Sons, Warren Ferguson-Huntley (Tommy) of Atlanta, GA, Gerard Huntley of Dubuque, Iowa, and Marcus Huntley (Jennifer) of Logansville, Ga; and a host of nieces, nephews, cousins and friends.

Funeral services will now be held on Friday, December 19, 2025 at Shiloh Baptist Church at 1:00 PM. Burial will take place at Cleveland Memorial Park. The family will receive friends on Thursday, December 18th from 5:00 PM until 7:00 PM at S. T. Enloe Memorial Chapel and additionally at 1213 White Ave. on Tuesday and Wednesday from 2:00 PM until 6:00 PM each day. Ms. Gentry may also be viewed at Shiloh Baptist Church on Friday from 12:00 Noon until 12:45 PM.

The service will be livestreamed from the Enloe Mortuary Facebook page starting at 12:45. Go to the website home page. Click on the Facebook icon. Beginning at 12:45, scroll down to Services for Lola Gentry and press in the area to be connected.