Iris Virginia (Shelton) Gentry

Ms. Iris Virginia Shelton Gentry, age 85 of Ararat, passed away on Saturday, March 15, 2025 at Northern Regional Hospital in Mt. Airy. She was born on December 26, 1939 to the late Sherman & Mary Johnson Shelton in Surry County.

Ms. Gentry was a loving mother, grandmother, great-grandmother, great-great grandmother & sister.

During life, in addition to dedicating her life to taking care of her family, she also enjoyed working in the medical field. At one time, she was an optometrist assistant before moving on to Cook Medical.

She leaves behind to cherish her memory her children, Lynn (Steven) Whitaker, Mike (Cindy) Sams, David Sams, Darrell Sams & Misti Sams; seven grandchildren; seventeen great-grandchildren; seven great-great-grandchildren; & her brothers & sister-in-laws, Rufus (Jennifer) Shelton, Grey Shelton, Wade (Louise) Shelton & Jerry (Susan) Shelton.

In addition to her parents, she was preceded in death by her husband, Keith Gentry; brother, Howard Shelton; sister & brother-in-law, Rachel & Bob Herbert; & her sister-in-laws, Hilda Shelton & Delta Shelton.

A graveside service for Ms. Gentry will be held at 2:00pm on Thursday, March 20, 2025 at Mt. Zion Baptist Church Cemetery.

The family would like to extend a special thanks to Darrell Sams, for the special care he showed her.

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