Laura Jane Martin Gentry of Ashland was born December 19, 1948 to Byron Gene
Martin and Marie Celeste Dollar Martin of Millerville, Alabama. Laura passed to her
Heavenly home on Friday, September 22, 2023 at the age of 74. She was a Clay
County resident for the entirety of her life. She was a 1967 graduate of Bibb Graves
High School in Millerville, Alabama.
Laura’s talents were many. She was an accomplished artist, singer, seamstress, and
business owner. She most enjoyed spending time with her family, friends and pets,
gardening, painting, ancestry research, singing, traveling, and loved the outdoors. She
also enjoyed her time as a local elections poll worker with other dedicated Clay
Countians. For many years before retirement, Laura and her husband, Wayne, owned
and operated successful local businesses, most notably Popcorn Preview Video
located on the Ashland square.
Laura is survived by her husband of 42 years, Wayne Gentry; four children: Tracie
Smith (Keith) of Ashland; Kellie Duke (Eddie) of Opelika; Kristi Whetstone (Clarence) of
Ashland; and Jason Gentry of Sylacauga; six grandchildren: Hannah Smith, Connor
Duke, Claire Duke, Jasmine Stephens, Kayla Gentry Hubbard (Jared), and Cole
Gentry; and five great grandchildren: Amiyah, Carson, Ethan, Everleigh, and Josie
Lynn. She is also survived by her sister Marie Martin Remson (Joel); brother David
Martin; and four beloved nieces and nephews: Chris Scott, Emily Robinson (Hunter),
Seth Martin, and Bailie Martin .
Laura was preceded in death by her parents: Gene and Celeste Martin and a younger
sister, Rebecca Lynn Martin.
Laura was laid to rest in a private graveside service officiated by Bro. Bruce Willis on
Monday, September 25, 2023 at the Ashland City Cemetery. Benefield Funeral Home
Ashland/Lineville was in charge of the arrangements.
In lieu of flowers or keepsakes, the family requests anyone wishing to honor Mrs.
Gentry’s memory, please consider making a donation to the Clay County Arts League.
Those donations can be made payable to:
Clay County Arts League (please denote on your check, Art Camp, Gentry) and mailed
to:
Clay County Arts League
P. O. Box 696
Ashland, AL 36251
