Mary Lucille Gentry

Mary Lucille Lawson Gentry was the kind of fun-loving, strong yet gentle soul who went by a series of nicknames throughout her life – “Ceil” to her friends in Rock Island, Illinois, where she was born on April 30, 1930; “Lou” to her nursing colleagues and to the love of her life, Basil; and “Mama Lou” to her five children, eight grandchildren, eight great-grandchildren, and the large, extended network of family, friends and community who called her their very own. With a sparkle in her eye, she would throw her head back, laugh and celebrate all of life’s special moments, be they large or small, and was quick with a kind word, helpful advice, and a supportive hug for anyone and everyone. Her legacy is one of kindness, strength, care and the gentle concern she showed those around her.

 Born the youngest daughter of Francis Marion Lawson and Elta Patience Smith Lawson, Lou grew up in the Quad Cities area of Rock Island, Moline and Milan, Illinois, the birthplace of John Deere. Living near the river, ice skating was her favorite past time and also the shortcut she used to get to school on cold winter days. A Midwesterner at heart, she was proud of her family’s Irish and Swedish heritage, and to be a Yankee.

 While Lou was not a native Texan, she “got here as fast as she could,” moving to Lubbock with her family when she was a seventh-grader. She immediately loved her new state and exhibited her Texas pride throughout her life. Lou graduated from Lubbock High School, where she was a member of the band. She learned to play the accordion, a skill she used to entertain her own children when they were young. After graduating high school, she attended Texas Tech University. When Lou decided to pursue nursing, as her aunt before her had done, she moved to Dallas to earn her degree at St. Paul’s School of Nursing – a move necessary because at the time as Texas Tech did not have its own nursing school (Lou, however, remained a lifelong Red Raiders fan).

The move to Dallas also made possible a chance meeting that would impact the rest of her life. On the first day of nursing school, she and a friend from school decided to have dinner at a diner in Dallas, where she met Basil Roland Gentry, a Dallas man who laid eyes on Lou and after an hour, told his best friend he was going to marry that beautiful blonde. He did just that. Basil and Lou were married for 65 years and enjoyed a beautiful life together.

 Lou was a pioneer in many ways. She was a working mom with five children who treated children for 40 years as a pediatric nurse, loving every minute of her career. Never afraid to speak up or do things differently, Lou took on the school district to get speech therapy for one of her children in first grade when it was typically not offered until fourth grade – and she won. When the Girl Scout Troop was full, she started a Bluebird Troop. She advocated tirelessly for her kids and others, and she was the first nurse at her practice and in her circle to wear slacks – other nurses followed suit shortly thereafter.

 Lou was an amazing cook and baker who could make anything but was well-known for her enchiladas and sausage balls. She was one of those rare people who could pull six ingredients out of the fridge and throw it together to create something that tasted amazing. Also an incredible seamstress, Lou could sew anything, recover furniture, decorate cakes, create ceramics, crochet, and make stained glass, mop angels, or do anything crafty that struck her fancy. Decorating her home for all holidays, and especially Christmas, was a favorite hobby, as was keeping her porch ready to receive the many friends who called on her.

Lou was a nurse to everyone – and she took pride in her ability to care for others. She often received phone calls in the middle of the night and on weekends from parents of sick kids, calling Lou for advice. She also had many “adopted’ kids who were friends of the Gentry kids and always welcomed everyone in her home. She loved a family get-together and loved to entertain.

Lou loved music, especially big band music. She was a wonderful dancer who would often come home from work, kick off her shoes and dance the jitterbug with her husband Basil on any given weeknight. With her husband, sisters-in-law and dear family friends, Lou played in a 42 Domino Dinner Club for 40 years. She was also in a book club for many years at the Dallas Athletic Club and in a bingo club. Lou loved going to Las Vegas to see the shows and play the slots, and she enjoyed a cold beer or a wine cooler. A lifelong sports fan, she cheered on her teams, including the Dallas Cowboys and the Texas Rangers (their recent World Series win was a true cause for celebration for her!). 

Lou kept up with current events and enjoyed reading the newspaper, watching FOX News, and doing crossword puzzles (in ink!), even into the last few days of her life.

 Her pride and joy was her family, who were by her side for every moment of her journey.

 Lou entered the Pearly Gates of Heaven on January 23, 2025. She was preceded in death by the love of her life, Basil Roland Gentry; her parents, Francis Marion Lawson and Elta Patience Smith Lawson; and her older brother, Francis Keith Lawson. 

 Carrying on Lou’s legacy are her surviving family members, including her five children: Rhonda Lou Ensey (Steve), Cindi Sue Gentry, Dr. Kim Roland Gentry (Helena), Robin Ann Gentry, and Suzanne Gentry Flodin (Doug). She is also survived by eight grandchildren: Brett Ryan Franks, Jessica Lauren Segars, Tanner Basil Gentry, Taylor Wilhemina Greene, Micah Wilhemina Gentry, Andee Wilhemina Arellano, Tristan Basil Gentry, and Riley Dylan Flodin; and eight great-grandchildren: Chase Ryan Franks, Morgan Elizabeth Franks, Presley Rae Segars, Charlotte Marie Gentry, Hendrik Scott Green, Georgia Mae Segars, Caroline Frances Gentry, and Cooper Scott Greene. She is also survived by her lifelong best friend, Mittie Ballard of Marble Falls, Texas.

 For the past three years, Lou found great comfort in the homebound ministry of St. Patrick Catholic Church in Dallas, a highlight of her day and a blessing to her always. She became very dear friends with the ministry volunteer coordinator, Maureen O’Brien, who visited her weekly, prayed with her and brought her communion. The family requests that in lieu of flowers, donations be made to the St. Patrick Catholic Church Homebound Program to bring the same care and concern to others: https://membership.faithdirect.net/givenow/TX383/10333

 Family and friends will celebrate the beautiful life of Mary Lucille Gentry on Wednesday, January 29, at St. Patrick Catholic Church at 9643 Ferndale in Dallas, where a funeral mass will be held at 4 p.m. Preceding the mass, a rosary will be said in honor of Lou at 3:30 p.m. Lou will be laid to rest alongside her lifetime love, Basil Gentry, on Thursday, January 30 at 10:30 a.m., at DFW National Cemetery.

Mama Lou leaves behind a legacy of love, laughter, and a family that was always her greatest pride and joy. While she is now dancing in Heaven with Basil, there is also a chair ready for her at the next game of 42 with her dear friends and family. All those who were lucky to know and love Mama Lou know she is now dancing among the stars with a smile as wide as the Texas sky.

 God’s Garden by Melissa Shrove

God looked around his garden and found an empty place, He then looked down upon the earth and saw your tired face. He put his arms around you and lifted you to rest. God’s garden must be beautiful, He always takes the best. He knew that you were suffering, He knew you were in pain. He knew that you would never get well on earth again. He saw the road was getting rough and the hills were hard to climb. So he closed your weary eyelids and whispered, ‘Peace be Thine’. It broke our hearts to lose you, but you didn’t go alone, For part of us went with you, the day God called you home.