Johnnie Belinda Gentry

Johnnie Belinda Marie Lyons Gentry journey through life began on December 21,1951, in Hot Springs, Arkansas. She was the daughter of Naomi and Leodis “Johnny” Lyons.

Belinda began her education in 1957 at Henry Bell High School in Gurdon, AR, and graduated in 1969.  She would go on to move to California and continue her studies at Los Angeles City College.  While in California, Belinda met Floyd Horn and later gave birth to their daughter Tiffney.  Belinda and Tiffney would return to Gurdon, where Belinda was able to reconnect with life-long friends and family.  During this time, Belinda met and married Matthew Gentry.  They were able to continue his miliary career, and to this union their son, Frazier, was born.

Belinda was a long-time member of Bethel AME Church, later New Bethel Church and Kingdom Authority Christian Ministries.  Belinda served in many roles at church until her health prevented her from attending regularly.

Belinda worked many jobs during her 72 years, but maybe most notably at The Gurdon Grill where her hamburgers were supreme, followed by a season at Doug’s Grocery.

Belinda is preceded in death by her parents, Naomi, and Johnny Lyons, and 2 siblings. Left to mourn her loss are her children Tiffney Hughes of Conway, AR and Frazier Gentry of Gurdon, AR; 2 grandchildren Spencer D. Hughes and Cross (Andrew) Reames, all of Conway, AR; her sisters Mabel Gardner of Compton, CA and Paquitta (Gary) Alexander of  Cleburne, TX; 2 nephews Mannix and Tracy Gardner of Compton, CA; 2 nieces Kelsey Knox of Arkadelphia, AR and Kaitlyn Knox of Cleburne, TX; an aunt, Hazel Bryant of Cleveland, OH; special cousin and friend Lillie B. Crusoe; special classmate Robert Harper, and a host of great-nephews, great-nieces, cousins, other relatives, and friends.

A memorial service will be held at 11:00 a.m. on Saturday, March 9, 2024, at Kingdom Authority Christian Ministries in Gurdon, Arkansas with Rev. Quintin C. Radford, eulogist. The interment will be at Rose Hedge Cemetery in Gurdon, Arkansas.