Shirley Baker Gentry

Shirley was preceded in death by her parents and son-in-law, John Houston Echols. She is survived by her husband of 60 years, Thomas Christy Gentry III; her children, Suzanne Heinrich and Steve Daniele, Laura and Col. Deacon Winters, Christy Echols, Allen Gentry and Stephanie Novosad; her grandchildren, Christy Suzanne and Shane Stanley, Laura Catherine and Luke Goodin, Michael Marian Heinrich, Caroline Cape and Chris Prugar, John Gentry Echols, Hugh Houston Echols III, Mabry Carole Gentry, and Thomas Baker Gentry; great-grandchildren, Rhett Christopher Hudson, Taylor Kay Hudson, Lily Cate Goodin, and Gentry Gene Robbins; sister and brother-in-law, Suzanne and Pat Sisk; brother and sister-in-law, Col. George H. and Jean Gentry; and numerous nieces and nephews.

Shirley grew up in Longview, Texas and attended Southern Methodist University where she met Tom. The day after she graduated from SMU, she and Tom were married. Shirley was a member of Memorial Baptist Church for over 50 years and enjoyed being involved in many aspects of church life.

Shirley's greatest strength was her faith. She lived life confident in the promises of the cross and salvation. Shirley was a wife, mother, grandmother, great-grandmother, teacher, confidante and dear friend. Her generosity, grace, and true goodness were shared unconditionally.

A Memorial Service for Shirley Baker Gentry will be held on Friday, May 6, 2016, at 11:00 am in the Sanctuary of Memorial Baptist Church. In lieu of flowers, contributions in Shirley's memory may be directed to the Bereavement Fund at Memorial Baptist Church, 600 W. Sterling Avenue, Baytown, Texas, 77520. The family will greet friends in the Sanctuary immediately following the service.

A celebration of Shirley's life will be held at a later date when the family gathers to spread her ashes at the Echols' Ranch near Cotulla, Texas alongside those of her beloved son-in law, John Houston Echols.

To view the online obituary or to post a tribute for the family, go to www.navarrefuneralhome.com

Arrangements are under the direction and personal care of Navarre Funeral Home & Cremation Services, 2444 Rollingbrook Dr., Baytown, TX, 77521 (281) 422-8111.