Louise (Harper) Gentry

Louise (Harper) Gentry, former Bryan County Court Clerk, passed away on Wednesday, August 5, 2015 after a long and courageous battle with Parkinson’s disease. A celebration of her life will be held at First Baptist Church, Durant on Friday, August 7th at 2:00 PM with Rev. James Robinson officiating. A family time will precede the service at the church at 12:45 PM. Louise was born on June 30, 1920, the second of seven children, to Rob and Pearl Harper. She graduated from Cobb School where she was an outstanding basketball player. She attended SOSU for one semester. She married Blandy Gentry on Dec. 9th, 1939 and they remained lifetime mates for nearly 65 years. Louise was employed as a deputy clerk in the Court Clerk’s office in 1943 and was appointed Court Clerk in 1971. She served in that capacity until her retirement in 1986. The years she spent in service to Bryan County were very rewarding to her. Louise was of the Baptist faith and she joined First Baptist Church in Feb. 1942. Among her church activities, she most enjoyed serving in the children’s departments. Louise was an active member in many organizations and in 1998 was chosen Belle of the Magnolia Festival. She was an avid sports fan especially the Oklahoma University sports. She enjoyed bowling even into her late eighties. After she was confined at her home, she stayed connected to her church thru the television ministry. Her 95th birthday party was a very special time for her to visit her many family members and friends. Louise was preceded in death by her parents; her husband Blandy Gentry; brothers, Huston, Joe, and Jimmy Harper; sister, Emma Roper and nephew, Bryan Dean Harper. She is survived by her sisters, Sue and husband Russell McCreary of Waco, TX and Doris and husband Buddy Spencer of Sallisaw, OK; 12 nieces and nephews; 18 great nieces and nephews; 16 great great nieces and nephews; several cousins and many wonderful friends. In lieu of flowers, memorial gifts may be made to the television ministry at FBC 124 West Evergreen Durant, OK 74701 or a charity of your choice. Pallbearers will be her nephews. Special thanks to nephew Howard who was so faithful to visit Louise and to help manage her affairs. Also to Dr. Sturch and the caregivers at King’s Daughters and Sons Nursing Center and Aspire Hospice who cared for her in the last weeks of her life. Burial will be at Highland Cemetery with Brown’s Funeral Service in charge of arrangements. Condolences may be sent to the family at www.brownsfuneralservice.com. PDF Printable Version

Louise (Harper) Gentry

June 30, 1920 - August 5, 2015