Vivian Blackburn Gentry

Abingdon, VA- On a beautiful spring day, May 31, 2014 Vivian Blackburn Gentry, age 92, passed peacefully from her home and earthly life to her heavenly reward and reunion with her beloved husband, Homer S. Gentry. Vivian was born October 10, 1921 to the late Reverend Edward E. and Ollie Clawson Blackburn of Todd, NC. She was preceded in death by her sister, Lillian B. Campbell, and her brother Edward E. Blackburn. Throughout her life she cherished special relationships with her sister-in-law, and now deceased sisters-in-law and brothers-in law. Vivian is survived by her brother, Ben and wife Betty Blackburn, her sister Brenda B. Rountree; her sisters-in-law Wynona Blackburn, Betty Gentry; and brothers-in-law J. L. Horton and Hill Gentry. She and Homer were married on September 7, 1946. They were the proud parents of three daughters and one son, Judy and Jason Harris, Libby and Jim Bundy, Mary and Bob Bundy and Jim and Sarah Gentry. Vivian also loved and was loved by her seven grandchildren: Matt and Alison Bundy, Cora and Richard Stoakley; Brooke and Jim Bunn; Jason and Ashley Harris; Jennifer and Jason Rector; Justin Bundy; Joe and Kimberly Bundy; along with 10 great grandchildren and numerous nieces and nephews Vivian’s home life exemplified comfort, love and abiding faith. She supplied love and unconditional support to others and dedicated her life to our Savior, Jesus Christ, and her family. Vivian was and will be remembered as a devoted wife, grandmother, sister and dear friend. She touched many lives with her boundless faith, love and optimism, generosity and joy of life. She shared her beautiful smile and countless prayers with everyone she encountered. She was ever so generous with her beautiful quilts and amazing southern cooking. A celebration of Vivian’s life will be held on Wednesday, June 4, 2014 at 11:00 a.m. at Pleasant View United Methodist Church with Dr. Bill Konstantopoulos and Rev. Barbara Farmer officiating. Burial will follow at Forest Hills Memory Gardens. Family and friends will be received on Tuesday, June 3, 2014, from 6:00 p.m.– 8:00 p.m at the Forest Hills Chapel of Farris Funeral Service, 19415 Lee Highway, Abingdon, VA. The family suggests that those wishing to honor and memorialize Vivian’s life contribute to a church of their choice. Those wishing to express sympathy online may do so by visiting www.farrisfuneralservice.com and signing the online guestbook. The family of Mrs. Gentry is being cared for by Farris Cremation and Funeral Center, 19415 Lee Highway, Abingdon, VA 24210 (276-623-2700).