Mary Jane Coleman Gentry's Obituary
Mary Jane Coleman Gentry, 77, lifelong Memphian, intrepid hiker, mountain lover, and fabulous mother, grandmother, and friend, died November 16, 2017. She leaves us to take her next hike, and revel in the view from the mountain top – all while not getting too close to the edge.Mary Jane grew up on her grandfather’s farm in Whitehaven, attended Whitehaven High School, and graduated from Rhodes College with a degree in French. She spent her junior year in Aix-en-Provence, France, eating warm baguettes, becoming fluent in French, and making friends that would last a lifetime.She had the gift of being a great listener, and instilled in us the importance of having an open mind. And everyday, she took great joy from interacting with friends, whether walking, discussing books or politics, traveling, or preparing gourmet meals together. For over 40 years, Mary Jane was a supporter of Planned Parenthood and Les Passees, and a member of the Tuesday Morning Book Club.Mary Jane was predeceased by her husband, Gavin M. Gentry, who introduced her to the beauty of the Smoky Mountains. She is forever beloved by her sister Catharine Alexander, brother John Breen Coleman, daughters Janie Gentry Bates and Grace Gentry Harwood, her 5 grandchildren – Andrew Gavin Bates, Anna Louise Harwood, Eleanor Sarah Bates, Ruth Elizabeth Harwood, and Gavin Gentry Harwood, and by her cherished partner, V.H. (Buddy) Nix.A memorial service will be held at Idlewild Presbyterian Church on Saturday, November 25, 2017 at 2:00 p.m. with a reception to follow.Memorial contributions can be made to Idlewild Presbyterian Church or to The Parkinson’s Foundation.Mary Jane would wish that you take a walk in the woods with your loved ones, and make a toast to enduring friendships.Mary Jane’s Tribute Slideshow may be viewed here: https://www.tributeslides.com/tributes/show/MYQQ4SG8FW56MN4ZArrangements have been entrusted to Memorial Park Funeral Home and Cemetery, 5668 Poplar Ave., Memphis, TN 38119 (901) 767-8930. “Celebrating Life… Behind the Stone Wall”.
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