Altha Louise Gentry Clark, our mother, grandmother, great-grandmother, and friend, passed away peacefully on January 1, 2007, in Silsbee, TX - she was 89 years old.
Born April 12, 1917, to Wade Hampton Gentry and Louisa Jane Cole in Jasper County, Altha was the eighth in a family of ten children. Growing up in hard times and with few possessions, she quickly learned the importance of family and hard work.
Working in a sewing room in Vidor, she met the love of her life, Robert Henry Clark. They were married on June 5, 1937. A devoted wife and mother, Altha cared for their two children, Annie Louise and Robert Henry, Jr., while Robert, Sr., fought in World War II. Upon the war’s end and Robert’s return, their youngest, sweet Carolyn Jane, was born.
Robert made a living for the family as a pipe fitter and supervisor with IDECO in Beaumont while Altha cared for the family’s needs working in the home.
Devastatingly, after 30 years of marriage, Altha's time with Robert was cut short when he passed away unexpectedly in 1967. Again, not afraid of hard work, Altha soon found employment preparing meals at Vidor High School. After many years of service, she retired as the supervisor of the cafeteria there.
Always putting others' needs before hers, she gave generously of her time and talents. Those fortunate to have known Altha learned from her example how to truly care for others. She had a gift for making people feel welcomed and special. Her playful smile and gentle hugs will be missed by many. Altha's talents also included a gift for needlework. She crafted beautiful embroidery, crochet, and knit pieces she often gave away to friends and family.
Altha was a faithful member of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, where she was a member of the Williamson Settlement in Vidor. She enjoyed serving the church in various capacities such as the Relief Society and church nursery. The pinnacle of her service was a highly successful, year-long mission she completed in the mountains of Utah at the age of 70.
Altha is survived by her children Annie Louise & Jim Cole of Conroe, Robert Henry & Guri Clark, Jr., or Kelseyville, CA, Carolyn Jane & Joe Ehrhart of Silsbee; 5 grandchildren, Kelly McGillicuddy, Rebecca Dierssen, Stephan Clark, Holly Jordan, Heather LaFleur; and 7 great-grandchildren. Preceding her in death were her loving husband;
parents; brothers, Orson Cole Gentry, Alfred Edgar Gentry, Parley Hampton Gentry, Lyman Horrace Gentry, Oble Gentry, Wade Allen Gentry, Elsworth Gentry; sisters, Martha Illa Gentry, and Millie Audrey Gentry.
Funeral service will be 11:00 A.M. Thursday, January 4, 2007 at The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter Day Saints in Vidor with burial to follow at Wilkerson Cemetery in Mauriceville. A gathering of family and friends will be Wednesday, January 3, 2007 from 5:00 P.M. until 7:00 P.M. at Broussard’s at 490 Cemetery Road in Silsbee.
