Bettye Jean Gentry, 1940 - 2010

Bettye Jean Gentry was born on November 19, 1940 in Coyle, OK to her birth parents Rosanna Williams and Silas Armstrong. She was raised in Langston and Stillwater, OK by her Aunt, Willie Mae Grey, who was a mother to her. In her mid teens, she was re-united with her birth mother, Rosanna Williams Duckett, in Harris, OK. She passed on April 23, 2010.

It was in Harris Oklahoma in McCurtain County where she graduated High School at Riverside.

Soon after, she met and married the man she shared the rest of her life, Joseph Gentry. They began there marriage and started a family in Wichita, KS and, through a job transfer, moved to Tulsa, OK.

Bettye began working at Dorsett Electronics; afterwards, she was hired at McDonnell Douglas as a Machinist for 20 years.

Her strength of character was tested in the early seventies when she opened her home to nurse her mother, Willie Mae Grey, until her passing; and again in mid-eighties as she faced, fought and survived breast cancer.

After retiring she, opened her home to foster parenting, caring for as many as 8 children at once and later adopted two sons.

Among her passions was her love for exotic plants, elephants, Afro-centric figurines, cooking and maintaining close relationships with relatives, longtime friends, and neighbors. Most of all, she cherished the times she spent with her family on holidays and special occasions.

She is survived by Husband, Joseph Gentry SR of the home; Daughter, Marlana Gentry, Tulsa; Sons, Val Gene Gentry, Eric Gentry, Joseph M. Gentry Tulsa, Adrian Gentry, Dominic Gentry, Phillip Gentry all of Huston, TX; Brothers; Ward Duckett Jr. Tulsa, Loran Duckett, Clarksville TX, Charles Duckett, Valliant, Chester Duckett, Idabel; Sisters, Shirley Duckett and Linda Nunley of Idabel, Polly Burris Broken Bow and Romaine, Laverne, Barbra Jo, Juanita, and Irene Armstrong; Grandchildren, Val Jean Gentry, O'shea Gentry, Joseph (Jo Jo) Gentry, Joy Gentry, Clarissa Gentry, Naykhia Gentry; and a host of cousins, nieces, and nephews.

Funeral services are set for 11 A M Saturday May 1, 2010 at the Church of the Living God 3960 North Hartford Ave Tulsa with Bishop C. A. Lewis Officiating. Interment will follow at Green Acres Memorial Garden in Tulsa.

There will be a Visitation from 11 AM to 4 PM at Nunley’s Funeral Home Wednesday April 28th, and a visitation Friday April 30, 2010 in Tulsa at Keith Biglow’s Funeral Home 1414 North Norfolk from 10 AM to 7 PM.