Virginia Kathleen Gentry

Virginia Kathleen Gentry, 87, of Farmville went to be with her Lord and Savior on Monday, March 17, 2025, after a valiant fight against dementia for the last five years. A lifelong Farmville native, she was born on August 11, 1937 to the late S.V. and Evelyn Franklin Gentry. She attended Worsham School and worked many jobs throughout her life from Newberry’s five and dime as a young girl, to factory work at the Shoe Factory and Uniroyal, to running the family convenience store, Bates Market, to finally being a housekeeper at Holly Manor and then at Longwood University where she retired. 

Virginia is preceded in death by her parents, her brothers, Donald Gentry, Robert Gentry and her sister, Mary Lou Orange. She is survived by her brother Leonard Gentry (Lydia) of Chesterfield, VA; sons, Roger Bates (Anne) and Steve Bates (Doris) all of Farmville; daughter Connie Lathrop (Dolph) of Richmond; eight grandchildren Shannon, Roger, Kristy, Keith, Kevin (Stephanie), Heather (Ryan), Annalynn and Matthew; seven great-grandchildren Ryan, Aaron, Briana, Emma, Ava, Everleigh and Easton; and two great-great-grandchildren Greyson and Elijah; many nephews and nieces; and her best friend of over 50 years, Louise Witt. Virginia’s faith was the foundation for her life and the way she lived. She was a member of Worsham Baptist Church for 75 years and the last remaining active charter member of the church. She was also a member of the ladies’ church group, Fun Serving Jesus, where the ladies enjoyed fellowship and doing good deeds in the name of the Lord. Virginia will be remembered fondly as a kind and loving women who enjoyed sewing, working in her yard, shopping for hours at Goodwill and yard sales, and helping others whenever it was needed, but her most beloved activity was always spending time with her family and friends. 

Memorial donations can be made in Virginia's honor to Worsham Baptist Church or The Alzheimer's Association".