Linda Kaye Gentry

Linda Kaye Gentry, 78, of Newbern, Tennessee, died on Wednesday, August 20, 2025, at Maple Ridge Manor in Dyersburg, Tennessee.

Born Saturday, April 26, 1947, in Dyersburg, Tennessee, she was the daughter of the late Walter Douglas Rice and the late Maggie Mae Watson Rice. 

She will be lovingly remembered as a devoted daughter, mother, sister, nana and friend, whose greatest joy in life was the time she shared with her family. She cherished every special moment spent with them and made countless memories that will be treasured forever.

For thirteen years, Linda served as secretary at Newbern Elementary School, where she was not only a trusted colleague but also a positive role model to the many students who walked through the doors. She had a gift for showing care, kindness, and encouragement, always taking an interest in the lives of those around her.

Linda was known for her fun-loving personality and her unique favorites that made her who she was. Her love for Dr. Pepper was no secret, and if she didn’t receive one, her family would surely hear about it. She was an avid Elvis fan and enjoyed vacations, especially when shared with family. Shopping brought her happiness, and her love of the color red—especially red roses—was a part of her everyday life.

In her later years, Linda found peace and joy in the simple beauties around her. She delighted in her garden and found comfort in the hummingbirds, cardinals, and butterflies that visited her. These small but meaningful joys brought her a sense of connection and peace

Visitation for Mrs. Gentry will be held on Friday, August 22, 2025, from 5:00 PM until 7:00 PM at Johnson-Williams Funeral Home.

She leaves to cherish her memory, one son, Jon Scott Gentry Grace) of Newbern, Tennessee; one daughter, Lisa DeAnn Gentry Wells (David) of Newbern, Tennessee; one brother, Donald Rice (Sandra) of Bartlett, Tennessee; one sister, Carol Wright of Memphis, Tennessee and she was "Nana" to her four grandchildren, Emily Catherine DeSpain Weide (Robert), Nicholas Scott Gentry (Isabella),Janie Kaye Weinber (Daniel) and Thomas Douglas Gentry and two great-grandchildren, Van Douglas Gentry and Henry Edward Gentry.

In addition to her parents, she was preceded in death by her husband of forty-nine years, Ted Newton Gentry and one brother, Thomas Lynn Rice and his wife Bettye.

The family ask that memorial contributions be directed to the Dyer County Humane Society, 1120 East Court Street, Dyersburg, Tennessee 38024.

Online condolences may be made to the family at johnsonwilliamsfuneralhome.com. Johnson-Williams Funeral Home is honored to serve the family of Linda Kaye Gentry.

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