August 22, 2021
Harriet Zoria Gentry Love, 77, of Charlotte, North Carolina, peacefully passed to her heavenly reward on August 19, 2021, at Royal Park of Matthew’s Rehabilitation and Health Center in Mathews, North Carolina.
Born January 17, 1944, to her beloved parents, the late Booker T. Gentry, Sr. and Nettie Orphelia Massey Martin Gentry, Harriet was the sixth of eight children born to their union. She was the granddaughter of Arthur and Hattie Dela Willoughby Massey (maternal) and Zora Jeffries (paternal). Raised in Charlotte, with her siblings and a special cousin, Vernie Willoughby Paschal, daughter of Leon “Bubba” Willoughby, Harriet was educated in Charlotte-Mecklenburg Public Schools and graduated from West Charlotte Senior High School in 1962.
Harriet met the love of her life, John W. Love, Sr., at Northwest Junior High School. The two were inseparable and married on October 15, 1961, building their life and family in Charlotte. She was a devoted wife and mother of John Jr. and Jewel. For Harriet, her family was everything. As the glue that connected and led both the Gentry and Love families, Harriet created a household and family fabric that was full of love, respect, and togetherness. She will always be remembered for her compassion, boundless generosity, and wittiness.
Harriet was a health care professional who dedicated her life to serving others. She began her career as a Licensed Practical Nurse and Registered Nurse who obtained those Associate Degrees from Central Piedmont Community College. Later, she received her Bachelor of Science in Health Care Administration from St. Joseph College in Maine. Her professional career included working at Carolina Medical Center, Independence Medical Plaza, serving as an industrial nurse at Fruehauf Trucking Corporation and retiring (2003) from Johnson C. Smith University as Director of the Health Center. Throughout her career, the lives of thousands were positively impacted by Harriet’s medical skills and compassion and, she continued after retirement to serve as a Certified Nursing Assistant instructor to train the next generation of health care professionals.
Harriet was a lifelong member of C.N. Jenkins Memorial Presbyterian Church who dutifully served as a Deacon Elder and as a member of the Presbyterian Women, health ministry and breakfast clubs at the church. She was a member of Delta Sigma Theta Sorority, Incorporated (Charlotte Alumnae Chapter) and Chi Eta Phi Sorority, Incorporated (Iota Chapter). Harriet also served joyfully as a member of Mollie’s Tent and West Charlotte Alumnae Class of 1962.
Cherishing her memory are her husband of 59 years, John W. Love, Sr.; children, John W. Love, Jr. (Buddy ) and Jewel Christian Love; brother, Jerome Powell Gentry; sister, Margaree Gentry Hill; special niece/sister, Sherrill Frazier Coutourier; special cousin/daughter, Robin Johnson Burns (Jermaine); mother-in-law, Willie Davie; sisters-in-law, Marie Baxter Gentry, Sadie Massey, Sandra Davie, and Priscilla Davie Feemster (Sam); brother-in-law, Mannie Robert Love, Jr. (Toni); Goddaughter, Christina Thompson.
Her nieces and nephews who will miss her spirit are Zachary Norman Hill, Beverly Edwina Hill, Thurston “Butch” Frazier, Linda Yvette Howard, Margaree D. Hill Hall, Melvin Enoch Howard, Gwen Frazier Shannon, Carolyn Gentry Ross, Rodney Thomas Gentry, Booker T Massey, Jr., Bruce Anthony Massey, Alina Ninette Gentry, Keith Antonio Hill, Richard Massey, Jerome Leslie, Jeff Leslie, Melissa Renee Love, Mannie Robert Love, III (Trey), Darryl Feemster, and Samantha Feemster.
Her great-nieces and nephews who will continue to cherish and hold her dear are Shara Coutourier, Jon Paul Coutourier, Dontae Massey, Jemaree Ross, Ezekiel Ross, Krystle Gentry, Levi Gentry, Lexi Gentry, Kyndall Springs, Camille Shree Massey, and Richard Everette Massey II.
Harriet was predeceased by her sisters and brothers, Frances Martin Frazier, Booker T. Gentry, Jr. Massey, (June) Thomas Clinton Gentry (Clint), Cynthia Camille Gentry Massey and Jewel Gentry; her sisters-in-law, Margie Alexander Gentry and Faye Davie; and brothers-in-law, Thurston “T” Frazier and Edwin Hill.
