Elizabeth Ann Gentry

Elizabeth Ann (Tootie) Dake Gentry, 94, of Athens, Tennessee, passed away peacefully on June 5, 2026. She was born on March 17, 1932, in Peakland, Tennessee, to the late Jesse Bruce Dake and Edna Ruth Knox Dake.

Elizabeth married the love of her life, Hobart M. Gentry, Jr., on February 13, 1953 at Allen Memorial United Methodist Church. Together they shared more than 73 years of marriage and built a legacy of faith, family, and service.

She was a devoted homemaker who dedicated her life to caring for her family. She also worked at Citizens National Bank and later served for several years as secretary at Riceville Elementary School.

In addition to her parents, she was preceded in death by her brothers, Kenneth Ray Dake and Joe Hilton Dake.

Left to cherish her memory are her devoted husband, Hobart M. Gentry, Jr.; her children, Allan Gentry of Athens, Bruce Gentry (Pam) of Cleveland, Paul Gentry (Tammy) of Athens, and Sam Gentry of Athens.

She is also survived by her siblings, R.B. Dake (Catherine), Marjorie Ruth Guffey, Rebecca Lynn Rogers (J.C.), Thomas Marshall Dake (Phyllis), Douglas Knox Dake (Judy), and Carol Sue Matthews (Jeff), along with numerous beloved nieces and nephews.

Elizabeth’s greatest joy was her family. She leaves behind ten cherished grandchildren: Kelly Gentry, Beth Gentry Clark, Aaron Stansell, Stephen Stansell (Shelby), Landon Gentry, Jessica Gentry Goodwin (Michael), Hailey Gentry, Mica Gentry Trammell (Robby), Chelsea Stephens Vantrease (Sterling), and Kevin Gentry. She was also blessed with 21 great-grandchildren and 2 great-great-grandchildren.

A woman of deep faith and service, Elizabeth was a member of Riceville First Baptist Church for 60 years. She was an active member of the Gideon Auxiliary for 34 years and a dedicated member of the Order of the Eastern Star for 56 years, serving with both the Calhoun and Athens Chapters. Through her church, community organizations, and personal relationships, she touched countless lives with her kindness, compassion, and unwavering faith.

Elizabeth will be remembered for her gentle spirit, her love for family, her servant’s heart, and the example she set through a life devoted to God and others. Her legacy of faith, love, and devotion will continue through the generations that follow her. She was an avid crochet;er and crafter.

Funeral services will be 8:00 P.M. Tuesday, June 9, 2026, in the Chapel of Laycock-Hobbs Funeral Home with Rev. Ken Keaton officiating. Interment will be 11:00 A.M. Wednesday, June 10, 2026, in McMinn Memory Gardens.

Pallbearers: Sam Gentry, Kevin Gentry, Michael Goodwin, Robby Trammell, Stephen Stansell, and Landon Gentry. Memorial contributions may be made to The Gideons International P. O. 4 Athens, Tenn. 37371.

The family will receive friends from 6-8 Tuesday in the funeral home.

Condolences may be sent to https://www.laycock-hobbs.com/obituaries/elizabeth-gentry

Laycock-Hobbs Funeral Home, Athens, Tenn. in charge of arrangements.