Alice Welborn Gentry

Alice W. Gentry

Inman, SC

Alice Welborn Gentry of Inman, SC, died peacefully on February 26, 2023, at the age of 95. Born in Easley, SC, in 1927, she was the daughter of the late William Harvey and Ella Wyatt Welborn. She was married to the late James Morrell Gentry for 55 years. Alice was a graduate of Easley High School and Furman University. Upon graduation from Furman, she wrote advertisement copy for radio station WAIM in Anderson, SC. After marrying Jim, she taught school in Frederick, Maryland, while he served in the U.S. Army at Fort Detrick. When his service was completed, they relocated to the Spartanburg area, and ultimately settled in Inman. For many years, she was an active Presbyterian, participating in the church choir, and in women’s work on a local and district level. She was a former member of the Inman Woman’s Club, and the Red Fox Country Club, where she loved to play tennis and bridge well into her late 80’s. She also loved to ride her little yellow Cub Cadet tractor, which she used to mow her large lawn and adjacent pasture; however, the tractor passed away long before Alice.

She is survived by her son, Richard R. Gentry, and wife, Diane, of Bristol, TN; her daughter Jane Fleming, and husband Robert, of Stanardsville, VA; her daughter Joan Wilson, and husband Mitchell, of Lexington, KY. She is also survived by three grandchildren: Patrick Gentry and wife Carmen Klein Herenbrink, of Utrecht, The Netherlands; Theodore Wilson, and wife Holly, of Versailles, KY; Robert Fleming, of Stanardsville, VA, and four great-grandchildren, John Hunter, Paul Theodore, and Gentry Grace Wilson of Versailles, and James Dries Gentry of The Netherlands. Survivors also include three step-grandchildren, Ashley Wilkins (Ryan), Andrea Balkcom, and Adam Goodson, and two step-great-grandchildren, Jacob and Alana Wilkins, and a large number of nieces and nephews. In addition to her husband and her parents, she was predeceased by a daughter-in-law, Cynthia Shuba Gentry, sister Ella Mae Hendrix, sister Mildred Byrd, and brothers Wyatt, Ben, and Harvey Welborn.

The family is being assisted by Robinson Funeral Home in Easley. Condolences may be offered online at RobinsonFuneralHomes.com. A private graveside service will be held at Westview Cemetery in Easley, SC. Per Alice’s wishes, no other service will be held. In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to the Muscular Dystrophy Association of Central and Southeastern Virginia, 1503 Santa Rosa Road, Suite 120, Richmond, VA 23229.