Mrs. Jean Ann Gay Cantrell, a beloved mother, grandmother, great-grandmother, and friend, passed away peacefully on November 2, 2026, leaving behind a family who loved her dearly and countless memories that will forever be treasured. Born on May 22, 1937, in DeKalb County, Tennessee, Jean was a lifelong member of the Belk community she proudly called home. Her life was rooted in family, hard work, and Christian faith. She accepted Christ as her Savior as a young teenager, around the age of 14, in Monroe, Ohio, and carried that faith throughout her life.
On July 7, 1954, she married the love of her life, Gentry Gregory Cantrell, in Rossville, Georgia. Together, they built a life and family filled with years of memories, laughter, and love. Jean was a devoted wife and mother whose greatest legacy will always be the family she helped build and the generations who followed.
There was never a dull moment with Jean! Her spirited personality, laughter, and unforgettable ways made her one of a kind. She leaves behind countless stories, family traditions, and memories that will be shared and treasured for generations. Jean was a hardworking woman and known for her love of canning and gardening. She retired from Star Manufacturing after years of dedicated service and also made many friendships during her time working at the Levi Strauss shirt factory.
Jean was preceded in death by her parents, Earl Houston Gay and Bonnie Lee Morris Gay Flatt; her beloved husband, Gentry Cantrell; her son, Glenn Cantrell; her grandson, Chris Ramsey; and her brothers, Donald Ray (Wanda) Gay and Harold “Tut” Gay. Those left to cherish her memory include her loving son, Jerry (Patty) Cantrell of Smithville; her daughters, Eunice (Rick) Ramsey of Alexandria and Melisa (Melvin) Ray of Smithville; and one brother, Clifford (Ann) Flatt of Dayton, TN., sister-in-law, Pat Gay of Sparta. She also leaves behind a precious family of grandchildren: Jennifer (Jody) Lassiter, Angela (Stephen) Daniels, Tracy (Tad) Webb, Chris (Kayla) Cantrell, Adam (Lairen) Warden, Madelyn (Nikolas) Anderson and Amber Hall. Her greatest blessings continued through her great-grandchildren: Lane (Kennedy) Lassiter; Annie Lassiter; Ty, Tucker, and Tate Webb; Cora Daniels; Huck, Hunter, and Hattie Warden; Delia and Case Cantrell; and Baylee and Luke Hall. She will be deeply missed, lovingly remembered, and forever held in the hearts of those who were blessed to call her Moma, Grandma, Nanny, and Granny. Her faith guided her, her family completed her, and her love will forever live in the hearts of those she leaves behind. The family would like to extend a special “Thank You” to Gentiva hospice for their love and care shown to Mrs. Jean during her sickness.
Funeral services will be held 1:PM Thursday, November 5, 2026, at DeKalb Funeral Chapel with Bro Michael Hale and Rick Ramsey officiating with burial to follow in DeKalb Memorial Gardens. Visitation will be held Wednesday 3 PM till 7 PM and Thursday 10 AM until the time of the service at 1 PM. DeKalb Funeral Chapel is honored to care for the Cantrell family.
