Verda B Gentry

Verda Burkett Lawler Gentry

                                       

Montgomery, Alabama

A Time To Be Born…

According to God’s plan for my life’s journey on March 26, 1927, I graced the family of Reverend E. Van Burkett, Ph.D., and teacher Adelaide C. Burkett in an A.M.E. parsonage in Bessemer, Alabama.  Two brothers, E. Van II, the older, and F. Grant, the younger completed the family.  A pastoral appointment soon sent my father to Cherry Street A.M.E. Church in Dothan, Alabama, which became our home. All of them preceded me in death.

A Time To Live…

Graduated valedictorian, North Highland Colored School, Dothan, Alabama

Second place, State Elk’s Oratorical Contest, Birmingham, Alabama

Bachelor of Arts Degree, Talladega College, Talladega, Alabama

 Master’s Degree, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor

Married and divorced college sweetheart, Andrew T. Lawler. To this union a daughter was born, Andrea Denice

Later married and divorced the late Theodore Gentry

Teaching career spanned Talladega, Alabama: New York, New York: and Detroit, Michigan

Soon after retiring from Detroit Public Schools, returned to “Sweet Home Alabama”, Dothan and Montgomery

…To Live, is Christ

I was a “Career Christian” in church all of my life, but church was not always in me.  Trying to walk on both sides of the street was leading to a dead end.  God picked me up and sat me in Dothan Community Church under the teaching and leadership of Dr. W. Charles Lewis.  I began to see the light of God’s saving grace and began to let it shine so that others could see him in my daily walk as His ambassador!

 

         Verda Burkett Gentry

One cannot say those three words                                          You have been a catalyst for positive

Verda-Burkett-Gentry without                                                  change in this city and God will bless

recognizing a woman of distinction.                                         you for that.  We admire your creativity

Your commitment to Christ rather                                            and appreciate your excellent way of

than to traditionalism is worthy of                                            doing things.  You are a cherished

applause.                                                                                            member.

Dr. Charles Lewis, Pastor

Dothan Community Church

Dothan, Alabama 2002

 

A Time To Serve…

Busy as a bee in many church departments, community worship, and visiting the sick and shut in, teacher and director of Vacation Bible School

Three-year worship leader at Country Cottage Assisted Living, Montgomery, Alabama

Founding life member of the Charles H. Wright African American Museum, Detroit, Michigan

Docent and then board member of the Dothan Museum of Art

Golden Life member of Delta Sigma Theta Sorority, Inc.

Public speaker and poetic orator

Enjoyed being dubbed “the hostess with the mostess”

Life’s winding path led me to a wonderful heart-warming fellowship with the Lakeview Baptist Church in Montgomery on October 18, 2015.  The serving shepherd of the flock is Reverend Paul Hubbard (Brother Paul). He reeled me in with a warm rendering from 2 Kings 4:1-7 entitled “What do You Have in Your House?”

A Time To Die…

A well spent life came to a glorious end on Wednesday, August 16, 2023.

My soul has returned to the Lord.  Burn whatever is left of me and scatter my ashes to the wind.  If you must bury something, let it be my faults and weaknesses.

 

I Can Only Imagine

By Bart Millard

I can only imagine what it will be like                                                       I can only imagine, when that day comes

When I walk by our side                                                                                When I find myself standing in the Son

I can only imagine what my eyes will see                                               I can only imagine when all I will do         

When your face is before me                                                                     Is forever, forever worship You

I can only imagine, I can only imagine                                                      I can only imagine, I can only imagine

Chorus

Surrounded by Your glory what will my heart feel

Will I dance for You Jesus, or in awe of You be still

Will I stand in Your presence, or to my knees will I fall

Will I sing hallelujah, will I be able to speak at all

I can only imagine, I can only imagine

 

 

A Time To Morn…

Blessed are they that morn for they shall be comforted.  Matthew 5:4

I leave behind my most cherished daughter and friend, Andrea Denice Lawler Craig: granddaughters, Ayana Denay Craig and Jaime Allison Craig Dettl (Michael); neices, Juanita Lawler Truss, and Barbara Lawler Lane (Lamar); sister-in-law, Goddaughter: Debora Pettway, Ph.D.; I also leave behind many cousins and friends. Friends, I am a reflection of whom I chose as friends.  We had quite a ride. Thanks for sharing and caring despite my shortcomings. ” A sweet friendship refreshes the soul.” Proverbs 27:9

                                    Love you much!!

                                                        Verda

 

A memorial service in memory of Verda Burkett Gentry will be held at noon on Friday, August 25, 2023 at Lakeview Baptist Church, 9225 Atlanta Highway, Montgomery, Al. In lieu of flowers, donations can be made in her name to her Alma mater : Talladega College, 627 Battle Street, Talladega, Alabama 35160. On line contributions to www.Talladega.edu/give.Category scholarships (1867).

 

                                    

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