Roberta "Bobbie" Sue Gentry Gaines

Roberta “Bobbie” Sue Gentry Gaines was born on May 7, 1938, and broke free from the chains of Alzheimer's disease to go Home to Heaven at 8:20 pm on February 2, 2024.  She was an absolutely amazing woman.  Before Alzheimer’s took over, she was a wonderfully creative, highly intelligent, and unconditionally loving, strong, and independent woman. She was artistic, an amazing cook, a wonderful hostess to the many family members who stayed in her home, eternally competitive, and always a great listener. She loved Jesus, attending church, and studying her Bible with friends and family. She loved UT football and Lady Vols basketball. She could throw together an amazing meal for spur of the moment guests so fast it would make your head spin. She loved boat rides, growing flowers of every kind, and feeding and watching birds. 

Bobbie is preceded in death by her parents, Garland Castelle Gentry and Edna Bernice Gentry; by her siblings, Ian Gentry, Castelle “Cass” Gentry, Jean Canfield, Sally Arnett, Millie Anderson, MaryLou Miller, Melvin “Butch” Gentry; and by her beloved husband, Robert Milton “Milty” Gaines who passed from this life on August 22, 2023. She is survived by one sibling, Jim Gentry (Brenda); her children, Robin Marie Gaines-Reeves (Roger) and Robert Milton Gaines Jr. (Tessa); her grandchildren, Sara Yates (Cody) and Ashley Jackson (Joel); and her great grandchildren, Gracie Yates, Skye Yates, Izzy Yates, Caedon Jackson, and baby boy Jackson (due in May); her beloved brother-in-law Larry (Dewilla) Gaines; and by many beloved nieces, nephews, extended family, and friends. Bobbie was cared for by several wonderful caregivers, who treated her like their own family.  Special recognition to Abby Blaylock, Adam Greene, Shelby Baker, and Cindy Clark, who were so kind and loving to her.  Also special recognition to the loving staff at The Lantern at Morning Pointe in Lenoir City for their amazing programming and care. They made Bobbie's last few months fun. 

Bobbie served in the United States Air Force, where she met her husband.  After they both left the USAF, Bobbie went to work for Southern Bell Telephone in South Carolina.  She transferred to South Central Bell when the family moved to Tennessee in the early 70’s and quickly moved into a supervisory role, and then worked for AT&T when they changed ownership.  When she retired from working at the telephone company, she went right back to work as a purchaser for Institutional Jobbers Food Service.  Bobbie was a force to be reckoned with, and worked circles around everyone, all the time, until Alzheimer’s changed that for her. Her feisty spirit will live on in the hearts of all those who love her, and we know we’ll see her again because of our, and her, faith in Jesus Christ! 

At Bobbie’s request no services are planned. In lieu of flowers donations can be made in her memory to Senior Citizens Home Assistance Service, Inc.(SCHAS), 301 Ellis Avenue, Ste. A, Maryville, TN 37804.