She was born March 2, 1925, in Smythe County, Va., to Charles Polk Graham and Olive Virginia Delp Graham. She lived her early years in Rural Retreat, before moving to Bridgewater in 1935. She graduated from Bridgewater High School in 1942, Madison College in 1946 with majors in English and business, and earned a Master of Science in education from Madison College in 1970. She also held certifications as a reading specialist, and in supervision and administration. She also studied at the University of Virginia. She was employed as an educator for 38 years in Rockingham and Page county schools, retiring in 1984. She was the first female school administrator in Rockingham County Schools.
On July 3, 1947, she married Lawrence D. "Sam" Gentry, who survives. Also surviving are three children, Joseph C. Gentry (Debbie) of Virginia Beach; Martha L. Gentry of Virginia Beach, and William P. Gentry (Heidi) of Grottoes; two brothers, George L. Graham (Doris) of Arlington and Bridgewater; and Henry B. Graham (Dorice) of Bridgewater; two grandchildren, Meredith Guzman and Ben Gentry; and numerous nieces and nephews.
She was preceded in death by three brothers, Bruce M. Graham, Charles H. Graham and Ray J. Graham; and one sister, Charlotte G. Garner.
She was a member of Elkton United Methodist Church for more than 60 years, where she held numerous positions including choir member, board of trustees, circle leader and teacher of study groups. She was a lifetime member of United Methodist Women, Blue Ridge Garden Club and several education organizations. She was a member of Elkton Lions Club, where she held several offices, including becoming the club's first female president; and was also active in Elkton Area United Services. She was a former member of the National League of American Pen Women. She created crossword puzzles for The Valley Banner for many years after retirement. She was a voracious reader, an avid Scrabble player, and enjoyed cooking, entertaining, gardening and travel.
A memorial service will be held 11 a.m. Saturday, July 16, at Elkton United Methodist Church, with the Rev. David Reynolds officiating. At the request of the deceased, and with the blessings of the family, the body was donated for medical research.
Friends may visit the family any time at 502 Chestnut Avenue, Elkton.
In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to the Rockingham Memorial Hospital Hahn Cancer Center, or Elkton United Methodist Church Building Fund.
~Daily News Record, July 14, 2011
She was born March 2, 1925, in Smythe County, Va., to Charles Polk Graham and Olive Virginia Delp Graham. She lived her early years in Rural Retreat, before moving to Bridgewater in 1935. She graduated from Bridgewater High School in 1942, Madison College in 1946 with majors in English and business, and earned a Master of Science in education from Madison College in 1970. She also held certifications as a reading specialist, and in supervision and administration. She also studied at the University of Virginia. She was employed as an educator for 38 years in Rockingham and Page county schools, retiring in 1984. She was the first female school administrator in Rockingham County Schools.
On July 3, 1947, she married Lawrence D. "Sam" Gentry, who survives. Also surviving are three children, Joseph C. Gentry (Debbie) of Virginia Beach; Martha L. Gentry of Virginia Beach, and William P. Gentry (Heidi) of Grottoes; two brothers, George L. Graham (Doris) of Arlington and Bridgewater; and Henry B. Graham (Dorice) of Bridgewater; two grandchildren, Meredith Guzman and Ben Gentry; and numerous nieces and nephews.
She was preceded in death by three brothers, Bruce M. Graham, Charles H. Graham and Ray J. Graham; and one sister, Charlotte G. Garner.
She was a member of Elkton United Methodist Church for more than 60 years, where she held numerous positions including choir member, board of trustees, circle leader and teacher of study groups. She was a lifetime member of United Methodist Women, Blue Ridge Garden Club and several education organizations. She was a member of Elkton Lions Club, where she held several offices, including becoming the club's first female president; and was also active in Elkton Area United Services. She was a former member of the National League of American Pen Women. She created crossword puzzles for The Valley Banner for many years after retirement. She was a voracious reader, an avid Scrabble player, and enjoyed cooking, entertaining, gardening and travel.
A memorial service will be held 11 a.m. Saturday, July 16, at Elkton United Methodist Church, with the Rev. David Reynolds officiating. At the request of the deceased, and with the blessings of the family, the body was donated for medical research.
Friends may visit the family any time at 502 Chestnut Avenue, Elkton.
In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to the Rockingham Memorial Hospital Hahn Cancer Center, or Elkton United Methodist Church Building Fund.
~Daily News Record, July 14, 2011
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