Old Glory’s memorial service tribute for Miss Susie Gentry:
“Tuesday evening the 3rd of April 1944 there passed away one of Franklin’s most beloved citizens, an outstanding woman of the state, Miss Susie Gentry.
“She was born in Bedford County but came to Williamson County with as a child with her parents, Dr. Watson Meredith and Martha Jones Gentry. Her father served as a beloved surgeon in the Confederate Army.
“She was a worthy descendant of some of the South’s most noted families. Her great-great-grandfather, Dr. Mark Sappington, was Nashville’s first physician who came to Nashville when the town was little more than a canebrake, who in 1804 occupied a hewn log office on the corner of Summer and Cedar Streets.
“Her maternal ancestors were Colonel Joel Lane, founder of Raleigh, NC and Colonel John Huston of the same place.
“She was interested in her County’s history and was instrumental in marking the historic spots and was an authority on such subjects.
“She organized Old Glory chapter, the U.S. Daughters of the War of 1812, Williamson County Army Comfort Circle, WCTU union. She also was a chartered member of the Huguenot Society and a devoted worker in the Presbyterian Church and a real friend to the needy.
“Her full life has ended, but her memory lives on the hearts of a wealth of friends. So we, as a chapter, adopt the following resolution as a memorial and tribute of love and respect for our friend and co-laborer.
“Reading the simple statement of her activities many would and will say ‘and so the final chapter of life is written’. On the contrary, this is not a statement of death, but a tribute to a radiant life, for hers was life with a message of inspiration to all she touched, which will live on.
“She was reared in an atmosphere of intellect and piety and throughout her life possessed a Christian faith, beautifully childlike in its simplicity, but marvelously strong and its steadfastness.
“She was well-read, well-informed and keenly interested in all the questions of the day and time.
“Of gentle loving nature she rendered obedience and reverence to those in authority, she possessed a keen sense of humor, her conversation abounded in wit and her bright smile was one of sincerity, and then she would speak of God’s love; remembering the suffering of Christ endured that we might be saved.
“And so those of us who loved her, and who will sorely miss her presence, her friendship, her counsel, her sympathy, her love, can but say ‘that the book of eternal life in which her name is written has opened for her, that for her suffering has ended’; and we thank God for the memories of that life abounding with faith and hope which has left a shining path for us to follow as we journey on.”
Mrs. Jim Buckner, Mrs. Mary Britt, Mrs. Mary Hanner
May 6th 1944
“It is a privilege and it is fitting that we pay tribute to the memory of Miss Susie Gentry who, with her mother, organized this chapter and gave it its name ‘Old Glory’. Miss Susie served as its first Regent and was always interested and loyal to its principles and objectives.
“She was truly patriotic and gave her of her time and talent to foster patriotism in this community and especially in the younger generation. She was intensely interested in education and offered medals and awards to the children of Franklin schools to stimulate interest – especially in history. At one time, she was quite an authority on historical data and genealogy and people came from far and wide to get information from her. She was proud of her ancestral line and joined many organizations for which she was eligible. She was an unusual character and has left her imprint upon this community. She had the courage of her convictions without being contentious and her gracious courtesy, gentle womanhood and Christian character endeared her to all who knew her.
“It might well have been said of her, ‘She has achieved success who has lived well, laughed often and loved much; who has gained the respect of intelligent women, the love of little children; who has filled her niche, and who has left the world better than she found it; who has never lacked appreciation of Earth’s Beauty nor failed to express it; who has looked for the best in others and gave them the best she has; whose life was an inspiration; whose memory a benediction.’”
by Mrs. Carlisle