Lois May Gentry

Lois, 91, of Sun City West, Arizona, formerly of Peoria IL, passed away on Sunday, November 26, 2023, at White Dove Assisted Living in Peoria Arizona.
Lois was born on May 5, 1932 in Bartonville IL, a daughter of Lucille and Claude Smith. She married Jerald Gentry on May 7, 1998, in Peoria IL, he passed away on November 13, 2020.
Lois is survived by her children, Lester Johnson; Danny Johnson of Peoria IL; Patrick Johnson of Champaign IL; Rebecca Johnson and Molly Johnson of Peoria IL; 15 grandchildren and several great-grandchildren. She was proceeded in death by her parents, husband, sisters Dorothy Guppy and Shirley McGinnis, son James “Eddie” Johnson, grandson Jason Johnson and granddaughter Ylanda Johnson-Durst.
Lois was a single parent raising 6 children, she put herself through nursing school and devoted her life to a career in nursing for 42 years. She became a novelist at the age of 81 and published two books, one of which, is a self-help autobiography to understanding domestic abuse. Lois enjoyed dancing, painting, cooking and taking care of her hummingbirds. One of her many sayings that she lived by was: “When life deals you lemons make lemonade”.
Lois was a member of Shepherd of the Hills Methodist Church. Per her wishes she will be cremated and no service will be held. Her ashes will be scattered in the Memorial Garden at the church.
The family would like to especially thank White Dove Assisted Living and Hospice for their exemplary, kind and compassionate care.
Memorials may be made to Shepherd of the Hills United Methodist Church, 13658 W. Meeker Blvd., Sun City West, Arizona 85375. Please join the family in sharing memories, pictures or videos of Lois on her tribute wall at www.caminodelsol.com.