Mary Gentry Fair

Mary Gentry Fair, 82, of Greenwood, widow of Larry Loren Fair, passed away peacefully at her home on March 6, 2026. Born on September 19, 1943, in Greenwood, she was a daughter of the late James Robert Gentry and Ollie Mae Taylor Gentry.

Mary devoted much of her life to teaching, serving as a special education teacher with Greenwood District 50 for more than 15 years. Her deep commitment to her students and their families reflected a selfless and giving spirit, along with a genuine love for nurturing the potential in others. Her compassion reached far beyond the classroom, touching all who knew her.

She was a cherished mother, grandmother, and great-grandmother who embodied the values of love and support within her family. A longtime member of New Life Baptist Church, she was actively involved with the Women’s Mission Union.

Mary is survived by her daughters, Nancy Ann Doerflein and Lori Lodge; grandchildren, Dillon Doerflein (Alyssa) and Kaleb Lodge (Jamie); great-grandchildren, Emmett, Emory Ann, Mia Doerflein, and Emerson Gunter; sisters, Betty Page (Frank) and Nancy Erwin (Terry); brothers, Ray Gentry (Pam) and Robbie Gentry (Janice); and many nieces and nephews who loved her dearly. She was preceded in death by a sister, Doris Medlock, and brothers, James Gentry and Paul Gentry.