Biography:

Shirley was born in Little Rock on January 10, 1934. She was preceded in death by her mother Sybil Watson Gentry and C Leffel Gentry and her brother-in-law, Art Korenblat. She is survived by her sister Bettye Korenblat; and her brother Hal Gentry and wife Lynda; her nephew Scott Korenblat and wife Janet; her niece Ashley Korenblat Sevenoff and husband Mark as well as many great nephews.

 She was a graduate of Little Rock Central High School and the University of Arkansas, where she was a Razorback cheerleader and majored in drama. After years in North Carolina, Cleveland, Ohio, and Buffalo, NY, Shirley returned to Little Rock to found Lawson Gentry Interiors with her business partner Otis Lawson. Lawson Gentry had numerous clients across Arkansas and Texas, and Shirley often traveled to Europe to find the perfect piece for each of them. She was amazing at spatial planning, choosing fabrics, and picking colors. Many homes were brightened by her talents.

After retirement, Shirley enjoyed birding, gardening, working crossword puzzles and listening to music. She tirelessly created one of loveliest backyards in Little Rock and was a devoted follower of the Metropolitan Opera Matinee Broadcasts. She inherited a love of opera from her mother Sybil.

 If you wish to make a memorial donation, it may be sent to arkansassymphony.org. Arrangements are under the direction of RuebelFuneralHome.com