Jackie Gentry Obituary

Jackie McCall Gentry of the Balsam Community in Sylva, NC went home to be with her Lord on Saturday, December 7th, 2024, at the age of 76. Born July 14th, 1948, Jackie lived a life filled with love, laughter, and devotion to her family, community, and faith.

Jackie was a woman of strong faith and a hard worker, as well as a dedicated florist whose artistry and passion for flowers touched countless lives. Her green thumb and eye for beauty extended beyond her work, as she spent countless hours joyfully decorating her church and teaching Sunday School. 

Preceded in death by her husband, Curtis Gentry, her parents, James Lewis and Elsie Middleton McCall, and siblings Willard McCall, Edwin McCall, and Doris Beck (Willard), Jackie leaves behind a legacy of love and strength. She is survived by her children, Connie Jamison (Ernie) and Dwayne Gentry (Julie); her siblings, Boyce McCall, Sydney McCall, Orville (Bud) McCall (Vivian), and Max McCall (Donna). Jackie was a proud grandmother to Megan Stiles (Zack), Logan Gentry, Joshua Jamison (Samantha), and Hannah Gentry, and a doting great-grandmother to Brynleigh Stiles.

A graveside service to honor Jackie's life will be held at Balsam Baptist Church Cemetery on Wednesday, December 11th, 2024, at 2:00 pm. Reverend Greg Cullen will be officiating.

In lieu of flowers, the family encourages donations in Jackie's memory to The Broyhill Children’s Home in Clyde, North Carolina. To make a gift by mail, checks can be made to the Baptist Children’s Homes of NC to P.O. Box 338, Thomasville, NC 27361. To make a gift by phone call 1-800-476-3669.

Jackie's radiant spirit, love for flowers, and unyielding faith have left a mark on everyone she met. She will be deeply missed but forever remembered by all who knew her.

Arrangements have been entrusted to Appalachian Funeral Services.