Mrs. Kathy Burkett Gentry, age 89, of Jefferson, passed away Sunday evening, October 25, 2026, at Watauga Medical Center, surrounded by family.

Funeral services will be held on Sunday, November 1, 2026, at 3:00 PM at Bristol Baptist Church with Rev. Keith Wagoner and Speaker Robert Shatley officiating. Burial will follow in the Friendship Baptist Church Cemetery. The family will receive friends from 1:00 PM to 3:00 PM on Sunday, November 1, two hours prior to the service at the church.

Mrs. Gentry was born in Ashe County on May 29, 1937, to the late Lawrence Park and Dora Maude Marsh Burkett. She was a devoted member of Bristol Baptist Church for over 40 years, where she played the piano and served alongside the ladies in the church kitchen. Kathy was a hard worker who, alongside her late husband, Joe, started a butcher shop in their basement before opening Joe’s Butcher Shop. She was known for her love of baking for family and friends—especially famous for her coconut pies, as well as cakes for weddings and showers.

She was preceded in death by her beloved husband, Joseph Curtis (Joe) Gentry, and a sister, Gladys Burkett Shatley.

She is survived by: two sons: Curtis Gentry (Donna) of West Jefferson; Shaye Gentry (Amy) of Jefferson;  two daughters: Robin Williams (Roger) of Thomasville; Laurencene Gentry of Wilkesboro;  a brother: Bill Burkett (Jean) of Jefferson;  two grandchildren: Jamie Barker and Justin Mathis; four great-grandchildren: Lukas Gentry, Leah Gentry, Kelbie Gentry, and Natalie Mathis; several nieces and nephews also survive.

Flowers and food are appreciated by the family.