Madelaine Gentry

Madelaine Carroll (Gibbs) Gentry, 80, also known as “Grandmere”, “Pookie”, and “Aunt Cookie”, died unexpectedly June 15, 2023 at her residence. She was born August 28, 1942, in Columbus, Ohio, the daughter of Walter F. Gibbs Sr. and Mary E. (Lucas) Gibbs.

Madelaine attended Bexley Schools and is a proud “TIGER” graduate of East High School. Following graduation, she completed her Nurse’s Aide Training at St. Anthony Hospital. On May 25, 1963, she married the love of her life, Malcolm Jr. (Sonny). While married and the birth of three children, began her life-career working for Columbus City Schools as a part-time Secretary, and then moving to full-time employment working in various schools and in administrative positions for a little over 40-years until retirement in 2013. While working, raising children and after the death of Sonny, she continued her education attending The Ohio State University, received her Associate Degree in Public Administration from Franklin University, and her Bachelor’s Degree in Public Administration and minor in Political Science at Capital University. She graduated Magna Cum Laude and was an honor inductee in Kappa Alpha Pi Sorority.

Madelaine, although sometimes eccentric, had many hobbies, wrote poetry and lyrics to songs, an artisan (crafter) – self-taught water colorist, outfit sketchiest, a volunteer in the community and her church, and one who loves to help those in need. She was an avid member of St. Dominic Church (where you knew which pew she resided in and the famous “Mustard Seed” gift of faith), and served in many capacities to include Renew program, Faith Formation, dance step transcriber for the Bakhita Dance Ministry and even at one point and time, sang in the early development of the gospel choir as soprano. But most of her joy came from being not only around family, but the family genealogist/historian. She was a member of the Ohio Genealogical Society. And she was a STEELERS FAN!

In addition to her parents, she is predeceased by her beloved husband, Malcolm Jr. (Sonny), son Malcolm David, husband’s parents Malcolm Sr. and Norma, sisters-in-law Judy and Paula.

Madelaine is survived by her daughter Gretchen (David) Shivers, her son Stewart (Kelly) Gentry and daughter-in-law Anne Friek. Six Grandchildren – David (fiancée Felitia) Shivers Jr., Taviamona Gentry, Layne Gentry, Charles (Paige) Shivers, Stewart N. Gentry and Amaya Gentry. Five Great-Grandchildren Korbin, Jayce, Ryann, Zway-Lo and Krue. Special daughter and son-in-law - Kim and Donald Watkins and special grandchildren – Doniqua (Tyler) Rutherford, Sianana Watkins, Quantasia (Jordan) Moore, and Ahmena Watkins. Sisters – Mary Bean, Christine (Bill) Kemp and Anita (Marqueese) Pointer. Brothers – Neal (Brenda) Gibbs, Walter Gibbs Jr., Carlton Gibbs and Raymond Gibbs. Sisters-in-law Jeanne Braxton and Jo (Dennis) Alexander. Special best friend, Emma Sessions.

Visitation will be held at 10am followed by Mass of Christian Burial at 11am Wednesday June 28, 2023, at St. Dominic Church, 451 N. 20th St, Columbus, OH. Interment will be at St. Joseph Cemetery, 6440 S. High St., Lockbourne, OH 43137.

Those who wish to remember Madelaine in a special way may make a gift in her memory to St. Dominic Building Fund (online through: https://stdominic-church.org/online-giving or via Mail: St. Dominic Church, c/o Memorial Madelaine, POB 83572, Columbus, OH 43203) or to Nationwide Children’s Hospital Burn Center (https://www.nationwidechildrens.org/specialties/burn-program). Arrangements entrusted to Diehl-Whittaker Funeral Services, 720 E. Long St., Columbus, OH.