Doris Jean (Hicks) Gentry

DORIS JEAN HICKS GENTRY, age 71, of Mayo Lake passed away Tuesday morning, February 10, 2026 at her home.  Born April 26, 1954 in Granville County, NC, beloved daughter of the late Clarence Thomas & Ida Lucille Ellis Hicks.   

 Doris was preceded in death by her husband, Ray Charles Gentry whom she loved deeply and longed to see again.  Their love was steadfast and enduring, and we take comfort in knowing that they are reunited.

Surviving are her loving siblings, Clarence T. “C.T.” Hicks Jr. & wife, Carolyn, Charles G. Hicks & wife, Barbara all of Roxboro, NC, Julia H. Poole of Myrtle Beach, SC.

She also leaves behind a host of nieces and nephews whom she loved as her own children.  She never missed the important moments in their lives and stood proudly beside them through every milestone.  Her presence was constant, her support unwavering.

Doris made Mayo Lake her home and built a life defined by hard work, loyalty, and love. She worked many years at C&A, and later at GKN and Sunrock where her dedication and strong work ethic were evident to all who knew her.  She believed in doing things the right way and giving her very best in everything she touched.

She had a servant’s heart and found purpose in caring for others, especially during their times of need.  She was the kind of person who would give you the shirt off her back – but she would also tell you exactly where you stood.  That honesty, strength, and authenticity were part of what made her so deeply loved.  She was a fierce protector, a dependable friend, and a steady presence in the lives of many.

Her family would like to extend their heartfelt gratitude to the staff of DaVita for the compassionate care they provided in her final months.

Funeral services will be conducted at 2:00 p.m. Friday, February 13, 2026 in the Strickland and Jones Funeral Services Chapel with the Rev. Herbert Brown officiating.    The family will receive friends and guests from 1:00 till 2:00 p.m. prior to the service at the funeral home and other times at the home.

Honorary pallbearers will be Graham Allen, Griffin Allen, Levi McKinney, Luke McKinney, Cole Solomon, Colin Solomon, and Kennan Solomon.

Doris will be missed beyond words.  No tribute could ever fully capture how much was loved or the space she filled in our lives.  Though our hearts are heavy, we find peace in knowing she is in a better place and finally reunited with Ray.  Her love, her laughter, and her strength will remain with us always.

In lieu of flowers memorial contributions may be made to My Life Matters, 80 Danwin Lane, Roxboro, NC 27573, or St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital, P.O. Box 1000, Dept. 142, Memphis, TN 38148-0142.

Arrangements are by Strickland and Jones Memorial Funeral Services, 1810 Durham Road, Roxboro, NC 27573. Online condolences may be made at stricklandandjonesfs.com.

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