Mrs. Lorraine Denise Nicely Gentry was born September 11, 1927 to Fred and Velma Sperling Nicely in Lansing, North Carolina. From this union she was the third sibling of two sisters and one brother. Mrs. Gentry departed this life Saturday July 6, 2024 at her residence.

Lorraine moved to Winston-Salem in 1953 and moved to the Piney Grove Community in 1955. She was a retiree of Wake Forest University.

Prior to joining Piney Grove Baptist Church she was a member of Lansing Presbyterian Church. She was devout Sunday School teacher for the beginners class for over 10 years. Lorraine was a very active member of the Women's Progressive Club of the church. She took pleasure in being the driver for her sister Ann Baker and her sister in Christ Sarah Thomas to and from the church, shopping, to lunch and any place they desired to go.

She loved the Lord with all her heart and enjoyed learning all she could in Sunday School.  Rain, sleet and snow did not stop her from attending church.

In addition to her parents and siblings, she was preceded in death by a very special friend Sarah Thomas.

She is survived by her daughter, Linda(Nathaniel) Thorns; three grandchildren, Derrick(Sherril) Gentry, Lakeisha(James) Leggette and Justin Thorns Sr;one step granddaughter, Crystal Myers;  seven  great grandchildren, Deshiah Gentry, L'Jay Leggette, Jordan Legette, Jaydon Leggette, Justin Thorns, Jr., Ja'Nylah Thorns, Caelyn Ballard; one step great grandchild, Bobby Purvis; and a host of other relatives and friends.

Funeral services will be held 12:00 PM Saturday July 13, 2024 at Piney Grove Baptist Church. The family will receive friends from 11:30am-12pm Saturday at the church. Interment will follow in the church cemetery. Her remains may be viewed Friday July 12, 2024 from 12pm-6pm at the funeral home.