Eugene Hayman Gentry

Our dear mother, Eugene Hayman Gentry, 91, passed away peacefully at home in Maryland on July 22, 2025, following a long battle with a lung condition. A devoted mother, passionate educator, ceramist, dancer, and insatiable reader. She lived a rich and inspiring life, always in motion, always creating, and always caring for those she loved.

Born in 1934 to Angeline and James Iridell Hayman, Eugene grew up with three siblings: Joan, Jimmy, and Kenyon, all of whom preceded her in death. Though she bore a traditionally masculine name, Eugene cherished it as a part of her identity, even when it meant a lifetime of gentle corrections. It suited her independent spirit and quiet confidence.

She is survived by her beloved children: James I. Gentry of Oklahoma, Jonathan Gentry of Arizona, Jenny and Suttiphun Pryphun of Maryland, and Jeffrey and Milagritos Gentry of Maryland. She also leaves behind eight grandchildren, 6 great-grandchildren, and a great-great-grandson.

Eugene spent her entire career as a public school teacher, where her love of ceramics flourished in the classroom and beyond. Her students and colleagues remember her as a skilled, supportive, and endlessly imaginative teacher. She had a particular passion for ceramics and could never resist collecting a piece with an interesting glaze, exciting technique or an unexpected shape. She filled her homes with a diverse collection of art she loved. If you were lucky enough to be gifted one of her handmade ceramic flower boxes or intricately woven platters, you knew how special it was.

She had an extraordinary eye for beauty and was always planning her next home renovation or creative project. Whether it was laying tile, building shelves, or hunting for just the right lighting, she found joy in transforming spaces into something meaningful. Her creativity extended beyond the home and into the ballroom, where she found pure, infectious joy in dancing. Watching her dance was like seeing someone step fully into the essence of who they were.

A voracious reader, Eugene left behind a personal library that could rival a small town's. She devoured novels, anything compelling and well-written. She found delight in a clever sentence and awe in an unforgettable book. She always shared her love of reading and took immense joy in gifting just the right books. And she loved puzzles, crosswords and jigsaws alike, always challenging her sharp mind and attention to detail.

Above all, Eugene was devoted to her family. She gave her whole heart to those she loved.

A private family memorial service will be held at a later date at the family cemetery in North Carolina.

In lieu of flowers, the family invites you to honor Eugene's memory with a gift to one of the causes closest to her heart:

Friends of the Public Library: https://folmc.org/support/memorials-tributes/

Craft Emergency Relief Fund: https://cerfplus.org/get-involved/ways-to-give/

When you see purple irises in the spring, solve a clever crossword clue, walk through a beautiful art exhibit, lay that perfect tile, find that one puzzle piece you've been hunting for, savor fresh spring peas, get lost in a book, build something with your hands, buy a piece of art, watch someone dance, or treat yourself to an ice cream cone on the go, think of Eugene. She would love that.

She lived a life of imagination, warmth, and grace. And she gave it all, generously, to those she loved.