On April 22, 2017 heaven called home beloved son, brother, uncle, best friend, and Christian. Jon Gentry's caring heart, giving spirit, and warm laughter blessed all who knew him.  Although he is no longer with us, his memory lives on through the many friends and family who loved him dearly.

Jon was born on November 16, 1986 in Paterson, New Jersey. Jon moved south to Jonesville, NC with his family when he was just a young preschooler. He loved growing up in rural Yadkin County, and attended Jonesville Elementary School. Jon graduated from Starmount High School in 2003 after taking part in many youth activities including the high school marching band and making many friends and happy memories along the way. Upon graduation, Jon attended Forsyth Technical Community College and majored in Culinary Arts. He received a Certificate in Culinary through TCK. Jon worked in various restaurants and schools over the years. His most recent position was with Aramark Corporation as a Catering Chef at Winston-Salem State University.

Jon was a fun-loving people person. He never met a stranger, and brought his sparkling personality to any encounter whether at work, church, the gym, or when mentoring youth. Jon enjoyed cooking, event catering, classic cars, traveling, music, and most of all, family time. His positive messages are remembered by many who say his impact in their lives has been tremendous.

Awaiting Jon's entry into God's glorious heaven are his maternal grandparents, Margie Williams Thomas and Elbert Thomas; in addition to uncles, Elbert Eugene Thomas and Kirk Thomas.

Left to cherish precious memories are his mother, Rebecca Thomas Gentry; adoptive father, John Gentry; adoptive grandmother, Myra Graham; sisters, Joy Bediako (Prosper) and Joan Deeley (Jeffrey); nieces, Chelsea Deeley and Margaret Strickland; nephew, Isaac Deeley; aunts, Elizabeth Mack (Clarence) and Pastor Barbara Thomas; uncles, Billy Thomas (Georgia) and Jessie Thomas; numerous cousins, extended family, and friends; also mourning the loss of Jon are his fiancé, Arthia White and her daughter, Caliyah whom he cherished.  In addition to those listed above, Jon's family included his biological father, Jose Faria; half-brothers, Miguel Ignacio Faria, Jorge Alberto Faria, and Antwain Little; and half-sisters, Alexandra Faria Velete and Doris Faria.

A service celebrating Jon's life will be conducted at 1:00pm Saturday, April 29, 2017 at the Russell Funeral Home Chapel with Reverend Lucius Simmons, Jr. officiating.  The family visitation will be held from 12noon until 1:00pm on Saturday at the Chapel.  Interment will follow in Sunrise Cemetery, Cedarbrook Rd. Jonesville, NC.  The family will receive friends immediately following at St Home Missionary Baptist Church in Elkin, NC.