Beverly Anne Gentry's Obituary
Beverly Anne Gentry, 80, of Decatur, Illinois, passed away January 16, 2026, at Fair Havens Nursing Home.
Beverly was born to parents John K. Wallett and Louella M. (Eagleton) Wallett. She was the youngest of four children. Her siblings were Kenneth D. Benskin (deceased), Jerry E. Benskin, and Barbara J. (Shelley) Massey-Viseur. Tragically, her mother passed 3 months after giving birth.
Beverly was adopted by Ted R. Shelley and LaRue E. (Eagleton) Shelley. They had 5 children: Ted W. Shelley (deceased), Billy Roy Shelley (deceased), Nancy (Shelley) Khoury (deceased), Lynn R. Shelley, and Michael L. Shelley (deceased). Beverly’s father had 2 more children: Nel (Wallett) Penney and Lori (Wallett) DeFazio. At a young age, she gave birth to Faith Marie Shelley. She was forced to give her up for adoption due to family turmoil. She never gave up searching for her.
Beverly later married John E. Hines and gave birth to Shalako Hines. She later had LeRico Hines with Clarence Banks. She later gave birth to Tinoai Cotton.
Beverly moved to St. Louis, Missouri, in 1977 and started working at National Vendors. She later married James Gentry and helped raise Virginia Gentry and James Gentry Jr.
Beverly is survived by her siblings Jerry, Barbara, Lynn, Nel, and Lori; children Shalako Hines, LeRico Hines & daughter-in-law Leslie C. Hines, and Tinoai (Hines) Cotton; grandchildren Beonika Cotton, Brittani Cotton, Michael Hines, Kristian Hines, Tameka Cotton, Devante’ Ambrose, Shatria Hines, Nandia Doll-Hines, Shyla Hines, Lyric Hines, Ky’rah Hines, Gabryelle (Ahsaan) Wilson-Spence, Shariah Hines, and Journey Mershon; and 19 great-grandchildren.
The family wants to acknowledge and give special thanks to the Petersons, the Rushings, the Bannings, and the Scotts for being life-long friends.
Beverly was a great motivator, comforter, provider, and follower of Christ. She loved the Lord. She enjoyed life and loved to eat. She loved to smile and to see others smile. We love you, Momma!!
Services for Beverly will be held on Friday, January 30, at Graceland Fairlawn Funeral Home. Visitation will begin at 2pm and will be followed by a service at 3pm. Condolences may be shared with the family at https://www.gracelandfairlawn.com.
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