Barbara Gentry

COOKEVILLE CHAPEL - Barbara Jean Gentry, age 91, of Cookeville, TN went home to be with her Lord and Savior on Thursday morning November 5, 2026 at Cookeville Regional Medical Center. She would have celebrated her 92nd birthday on December 16.

Barbara was born on December 16, 1934 to James Arthur Bryant and Myrtle Denny Bryant. She lived a life filled with family, friendships, hard work, music, and a deep love for her Lord.

Barbara was preceded in death by her beloved husband, Rev. Jack Gentry, in 2015. They were married for 63 years and built a life together in the Cookeville community, where they were both deeply loved.

Throughout her working years, Barbara worked at one of Cookeville's shirt factories before pursuing her education in cosmetology. She began her career as a beautician around 1969 and continued doing what she loved until the age of 82. Her years as a beautician were much more than fixing hair. She formed countless friendships, and many of her clients became lifelong friends and family. Her warm personality and ability to connect with people made her special to so many.

Barbara and Jack also owned and operated Jack's EZY Market in Cookeville from approximately 1966 until 1977. Their years in business were another part of the many connections they made throughout the community.

Her faith was an important part of her life. Barbara was a member of Rocky Point Baptist Church, where she loved her church family and especially enjoyed singing. Over the years, she participated in several church singing groups, sharing her love of music and her faith with others.

Barbara leaves behind her three children and their spouses: David and Gail Gentry, Becky and Skip Asher, and John and Renee Gentry. She was a proud grandmother to Tyler Asher and his wife, Candace; Kevin Asher and his wife, Nicole; William Gentry; and Jackie Wright. She was also blessed with seven great grandchildren: Magnolia, Ella, Lillian, Calleigh, Danielle, Michael, and Elodie; and two great great grandchildren, Isabella and Luella. She is also survived by one sister-in-law, Anita Gentry.

She was preceded in death by her brothers and sisters: Zina Mitchell Bryant and Clara Hunter; James Paul Bryant and Mildred Mary Bryant; Mack Clarence Bryant and Magnolia “Nola” Bryant; Georgia Thelma Bryant and Bob Green; Bernice Bryant and Herman Coffey; Reba Sue Bryant and Richard E. Davis; and Betty Jeanette Bryant and Frances “Buddy” Murphy. She was also preceded in death by her brother-in-law, Allon Gentry, and her sister-in-law, Barbara Halfacre, and Barbara’s husband, Glenn Halfacre.

Barbara and Jack were blessed to be part of a community that showed them so much love throughout their lives. Their family would like to express their sincere gratitude to the friends, neighbors, and especially the Rocky Point Baptist Church family for the kindness, friendship, prayers, and love they extended to both of them. That love has been felt tremendously and their family will never forget it.

In her final days, Barbara spoke often of being ready to go home. She knew where she was going and was at peace with the promise of eternal life. On Thursday morning, she went home to see the face of Jesus.  While her family and friends will miss her presence, they find comfort in knowing that she is where she belonged to be. Her legacy lives on through the family she raised, the friendships she cherished, the lives she touched, and the faith she carried throughout her life.

A funeral service honoring Barbara will be held at 12:00 pm on Monday, November 9 at the Cookeville Chapel of Hooper Huddleston and Horner Funeral Home (59 N Jefferson Ave). Pastor Jason Groe will officiate. Interment will follow at Gentry Cemetery. Visitation for friends and family will be Monday from 10:00 am until time of service.

She was loved by many, will be missed by many, and will never be forgotten.

Hooper Huddleston & Horner Funeral Home is in charge of arrangements. (931)526-6111. Share memories and condolences at www.hhhfunerals.com.