Carroline Gentry White

Carroline Gentry White, 94, of Kensett, Arkansas, left this life for her Heavenly Home August 2, 2016. She was born January 17, 1922, to Roy Jefferson Gentry and Willma Vada Hughes Gentry in Letona, Arkansas. Mrs. White is survived by her daughter, Katie White Barnett and husband, Danny Barnett of Searcy, Arkansas; granddaughter, Rebekah Martin and husband, Grant Martin, of Maumelle, Arkansas; grandson, Daniel Barnett and wife, Christy, of Searcy, Arkansas; sister, Marjorie Gentry Williams of Kensett, Arkansas; five great grandchildren, Kaleb Barnett, Conner Barnett, Chloe Martin, Mollie Barnett, and Luke Martin; and a host of nieces, nephews, cousins, and dear friends. Mrs. White was preceded in death by her parents; a brother, Roy Jonathan Gentry; and a sister, Katie Mae Gentry. Mrs. White was a retired teacher. She began her teaching career immediately after high school with an emergency teaching certificate. She first taught at one room schools in Smyrna and Plainview in White County, Arkansas. Later and as a young mother she obtained her professional teaching degrees, BSE and MSE, from Harding University. Her teaching career began at Kensett Elementary School where she became a legend among her students because she first cared for and loved them and then taught them through the use of many techniques, one of which included textbooks. The love and respect from her students is evident today by visiting her Facebook page. Mrs. White was a life-long, active member of the Kensett United Methodist Church. She served as Youth Director and Pianist some times during her lifetime. She was a truly faithful Christian, loved God and her fellow man. Mrs. White was a member of the Kensett Order of the Eastern Star for 52 years and the Pangburn Order of the Eastern Star. She served as Worthy Matron numerous times in both. Mrs. White spent her life on the farm on which her husband, Bob, was born and grew up. After World War II, they made their home on the farm which they purchased from his parents and surrounding land owners to complete their farm which is still in operation today by her daughter and son-in-law. Mrs. White was a loving, peaceful person. She cherished her family and treasured her five great grandchildren who called her Mimmie. She was a gentle lady in every way. She tried to live by the Golden Rule and the Serenity Prayer with a very strong faith in God. To the family, she left a legacy of love, kindness, morality, honesty, faith, hard work, pride and much more. The world is more beautiful because she was here. Mrs. White was blessed with an amazing memory until her death. The family considered her the ‘family historian’ because she still remembered ‘who was who’ and ‘whose they were’ for generations past. At the request of Katie, she spent hours after Bob’s death compiling journals of her family history and memories and special times of the lives of generations past and present. She loved to revisit and share her family legacies time and time again. Mrs. White was an amazing poet. Her poetry was compiled by her granddaughter, Rebekah, and labeled as ‘Mimmie’s Scribbles’. They were inspired by her daily life experiences with God, family, country and nature. As scrapbooking became popular, Mrs. White used her poetry as the central theme for each page. Her scrapbook stands second to none and is a beautiful history of her life and family. Although not an accomplished athlete in her younger years at about “5 feet tall but fast”, she loved to watch all types of sports, especially tennis, on TV. After the death of Bob, she returned to her enjoyment of embroidering. For months she has embroidered for each family couple and each great grandchild a set of ‘praying hands’ pillow cases. She also gave special people to her a set of embroidered flowery pillowcases. Above all, she loved those drop-in visits by her grandchildren and great grandchildren, family gatherings and writing to her “Bobby” in a special journal. Funeral services will be held on Saturday, August 6 at 10:00 a.m. in the Kensett United Methodist Church. Visitation will be at the Powell Funeral Home in Searcy, Arkansas on Friday, 6 to 8 p.m. Burial will be at 1:30 p.m. at White County Memorial Garden in Searcy. Everyone is invited to attend both or either. Memorials may be made to the Kensett United Methodist Church, P. O. 688, Kensett, Arkansas 72082. Arrangements by Powell Funeral Home of Searcy. www.powellfuneralhome.net

Carroline Gentry White

January 17, 1922 - August 2, 2016