Shelby (Gentry) Carter

She was 83 years old. She was preceded in death by her parents Cecil E. Gentry Sr. and Mary K. Mills; siblings Helen Hall, Billy Gentry, and Jimmy Gentry; daughter, Carol Ann Tate; and granddaughter, Cecily A. Clemons.

She is survived by her loving husband of 29 years, Charles Carter; children, Cecile Clemmons, Kevin L. Tate (Jacqueline Tate), Keith Tate (Mina Tate); grandsons, Matthew R. Tate and M. Ryan Tate. In addition, she is survived by her sister (Phyllis Sager); 3 brothers (Dennis Gentry, Kenneth Gentry, and Edwin Gentry) as well as several nieces, nephews, and cousins. She also leaves behind her beloved and precious 19-year-old cat, Jenny.

Shelby was born on October 27, 1939, in Ashland, VA. She spent most of her childhood growing up in the Carter Park area of Ashland and moved to Louisa in the 1950s. For the last 25 years she has been a resident of Mechanicsville, VA where she relocated with her husband so that they could be closer to her children and grandchildren.

Shelby spent many years working as a private duty nurse, which was a perfect occupation for her given her loving and nurturing disposition. However, what she most enjoyed and what should be considered her greatest accomplishment, was being an exceptional homemaker. She created many unforgettable family memories around the dinner table. She was a fantastic cook and was able to spend quality time with each of her kids teaching them her tricks of the trade.

Another passion of Shelby’s was fishing. She took every opportunity she was given to spend time with her family out or by the water teaching them how to hook the worm, cast the line, and how to reel them in! Nine out of ten times she was the one that caught the most, and the biggest, fish when going on these adventures!

Shelby also loved to dance. There were many backyard parties and gatherings with family that resulted in lots of music being played and plenty of dancing to go along. In fact, it was at a dance that she met Charles, with whom she would marry and spend the next 29 years.

Visitation will be available for friends and family on Thursday, June 29, 2023 between 6 PM – 8 PM at Nelsen Funeral Home, 412 S. Washington Hwy., Ashland, VA 23005. The funeral service will be held on Friday, June 30th, 2023 at 10 AM at Nelsen Funeral Home. For those interested in sending flowers, please send them to Nelsen Funeral Home arriving no later than Thursday afternoon on June 29, 2023. There will be a graveside service following the funeral at Carmel Baptist church.