Whitney Leigh Norris Gentry
July 31, 1973 - February 15, 2014
Whitney was taken away from us unexpectedly on February 15 at her Vestavia Hills, Alabama home after a brief illness. As the gates of heaven opened for her arrival, the angels began to sing. She leaves behind three broken-hearted, beautiful children, their daddy, and her family and friends.
Whitney was a loving mother, wife, daughter, sister, aunt, and friend. She was a brilliant scholar, an avid animal lover (partial to Golden Retrievers), and was an exceptional photographer. Whitney lived for her three beautiful babies, and enjoyed nothing more than chasing them around, capturing time with her camera.
The Haleyville, Alabama native attended Indian Springs School (1987-1988) and Haleyville City Schools. She graduated from Haleyville High School in 1991. Whitney earned her undergraduate degree at Tulane University, where she was in the Chi O sorority. She received her master's degree in Industrial Psychology from the University of Alabama and earned her law degree from Birmingham School of Law. She was employed by ICD-3 at U.S. Steel.
Whitney was preceded in death by her paternal grandparents, Leo and Ola Norris, and her maternal grandmother, Elaine Thomas Manning. Survivors include Whitney's husband, Michael Gentry of Vestavia Hills; three children, Isabella "Bella" Caroline (9), Livia Mae (3), and Michael "Cael" Leo (1); Whitney's mother, Nancy Manning Norris (Ben) Schillaci of Birmingham, Alabama; her father, Dennis Norris (Anne Platt) of St. Petersburg, Florida; sister, Stephanie Norris (Kevin) Schambeau of Hoover, Alabama; nephew, Blake Schambeau; nieces, Hartleigh Schambeau and Sophie Schambeau; mother-in-law, Jan (Mike) Smith of Vestavia, Alabama; father-in-law, Ed (Robin) Gentry of Calera, Alabama; uncle, Robert L. (Barbara) Manning of Wilsonville, Alabama; aunt, Lila Jean Bright of Vestavia, Alabama; and a host of cousins, other family, and friends.
The visitation for Whitney will be from 6-8 p.m. on Monday, February 17, 2014 at Ridout's Southern Heritage Funeral Home in Pelham, Alabama. The graveside service will be at 1:30 p.m. on Tuesday, February 18, 2014 at Winston Memorial Cemetery in Haleyville, Alabama, with Bo Shedd officiating.
In lieu of flowers, memorial gifts may be made to the "Whitney's Kids" fund at www.gofundme.com.
Arrangements under the direction of Southern Heritage Funeral Home, Pelham, Alabama.
To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.
February 15, 2015
Robin Gentry
I don't think I've ever missed anybody so much as I have Whitney ! Myself Ed and Chad loved you so much ! Now your in heaven with that beautiful smile !!!!
March 11, 2014
The Bush Family
We have no words sympathetic enough, no explanation complete enough...
Though our hearts are heavy, our prayers are loud. We send our love and morn Whitney's untimely departure. Our deepest condolences to both sides of the family.
February 27, 2014
Eric Oller
I am sad to hear of Whitneys passing and am very sorry for her family's loss. As one of her instructors I found Whitney always a true professional and a joy to work with.
February 26, 2014
Stephanie Stalmah
Thank you to Whitney's family for sharing these photos with us and for sharing Whitney with her work family. We will miss her greatly. She was a delightful person and a great asset to the Career Development Program. Our hearts and prayers go out to you now.
February 22, 2014
Michelle Hickman
My thoughts and prayers are with your family during this very difficult time. May you find peace and comfort in the arms of Jesus.
February 20, 2014
Joseph Benintende
It is such a shock to hear of this. Whitney was so full of life and loved her husband and children so very much, as well as her extended family as in in-laws, they were all so close and Whitney was very well known for taking the most beautiful pictures of her children. My deepest sympathy goes out to Michael and family? I just know GOD will see all of you through this dark time, don't despair the sunlight of the spirit will return. All of you are on our church prayer list and have many, many people in your corner and sending you prayers.
February 19, 2014
Greg Dew
I am incredibly sorry for your tragic loss. My thoughts go out to you and your family.
February 19, 2014
So sorry for your loss. My daughter Ashley Little worked for Whitney several years ago at ICD-3. I had the opportunity to see Whitney several times when I visited with Ashley at the office. She was always so gracious and friendly to me. I know Ashley would want me to send her sympathy as well. My prayers are being lifted up to all the family. God Bless You. Mitzi Murray
February 19, 2014
To the family of Whitney Leigh Norris Gentry. May the God of all comfort be with you during this difficult time in your lives. We all yearn for better conditions, it's so refreshing to know that God's word speaks of a time when all sorrows will be gone. Mankind will live in beautiful surroundings with nothing to fear.
Isaiah 65:17-21
Sincerely,
Janice
February 19, 2014
Stacy Bearden Grein
I am so very sorry for your loss. Whitney was exceptional in every way and her impact on others, even over the years and miles, shows how special a person she was.
HHS Class of 1991
February 18, 2014
We lost one of the good ones when we lost Whitney. We all like to think we are good but not many of us are able to follow through on what we know is right. From what I know for Whitney this came naturally. I didn't know her for the last 20 years but for the first 20 years She made doing the right thing look and seem very easy.
As a girl growing up in Haleyville Whitney was very humble with a persona that projected class and distinction. Congratulations to Mom, Dad and Sister for the support you gave to help make such a fantastic person.
Today has made me more aware of the loved ones that surround me. I will make sure to tell them I love them because of Whitney. John Calvert, Jr.
February 18, 2014
Jim Buchwalter
No words can express the loss of such a kind soul. I was shocked to hear of Whitney passing just today. My prayers go out to Mike and all of Whitney's family. Mike, I love you like a brother and I am here for you when you are ready to talk.
February 18, 2014
Beth Falls Hess
We will be praying for Michael and their family.
February 18, 2014
Troy and Sonya Downs
Its hard to comprehend just how many lives are better because of the efforts of Whitney. I want to thank her family for letting us share in her life.
February 18, 2014
It is such a shock to hear of this. Whitney was so full of life and loved her husband and children so very much, as well as her extended family as in in-laws, they were all so close and Whitney was very well known for taking the most beautiful pictures of children. My deepest sympathy goes out to Michael and family !
February 18, 2014
Daniels Family
Our hearts go out to the family on your precious loss. May your memories of Whitney always bring you comfort. God promises - He is healing the brokenhearted and binding up there painful spots - Psalms
February 17, 2014
Teresa and Izzy Ingle
Praying for strength and peace for all of Whitney's family, who will miss her so much. Bless and protect her sweet children.
February 17, 2014
Cyndi Hood Wilson
I always thought Whitney was such a beautiful girl. Her smile could brighten anyone's day! Praying for her family and may God bless her children!
February 17, 2014
Fred Scales
Whitney you will be missed by many. You got to enhance a lot of lives with your role at USS training center. I could not have gotten through training without your help and guidance. To the family of Whitney: She will be missed by her US Steel family as well. My deepest sympathies to all of you. I'll be praying for your family during this quiet and dark hour.
February 17, 2014
Sue Kelley
Whitney was such a special person in my life when I worked across from her at U.S. Steel. I watched her grow from that beautiful college Lady into her career beginnings. I Loved her very much, she was a Special Friend. My prayers are with you all at this time. "God Bless".
February 17, 2014
Angie Lyle Willingham
I'm so very sorry you all are going through this! You all are in my thoughts and prayers. We love you all and take care!
February 17, 2014
Frances Cornelius Hess
You will be missed Whitney. Your family is in mine and my family's prayers. Your children will grow up knowing their beautiful kind loving mother. Even in school you always did what was best for others. Your spirit will live on in all of us.
February 17, 2014
Tonya Gaines
Rip sweet girl. I love ya and gonna miss you. You always had that pretty smile on your face and your lil girl will have to carry on your legend. May God Bless your family through this hard time. God definately got a beautiful angel
February 17, 2014
Boo Brooks
Prayers for your comfort in this time of loss.
February 17, 2014
Dusti Vinson Yates
I will always remember Whitney with a smile. We will continue to pray for your family.
February 17, 2014
It was a blessing to work with Whitney in an educational setting. She exemplified lifelong learning herself and was open to new approaches for the program she coordinated so successfully for so many years. Her professionalism stemmed in large part from her caring nature. My condolences go out to all who knew her, especially her beloved family.
Dr. Robert L. Smith
Michigan Educator
February 17, 2014
Judy Mccullar
So sorry for the lose of such a fine person.
February 17, 2014
We are so sorry to hear this. Our thoughts and prayers are with the family. Arthur and Diane Ferguson
February 17, 2014
My heart goes out to the family during this difficult time. I will never forget the fond memories I have of Whitney as she was always sweet and kind. God Bless. Tracy Clark ICD Coordinator USS Midwest
February 17, 2014
Whitney was a great help to us when we began our ICD Center at BF Goodrich Tuscaloosa in 2005, and she was always available to brainstorm ideas and share her thoughts and experiences about what worked and didn't work at her Center. We will miss her very much! May God grant His peace and strength to her family, friends and co-workers in this time of great personal loss. Our thoughts and prayers are with you all.
~Dr. Ted Hardin, ICD USW351L-BF Goodrich, Tuscaloosa, Alabama
February 17, 2014
Sheri Love Washburn
Words cannot express how sorry I am about Whitney's death. I know the days will be a struggle but know that you have a community of people that will rally around you with prayer. I haven't seen Whitney since she was a toddler when I used to babysit her and Stephanie in Haleyville. I have and will always cherish those memories of sweet Whitney and hold a special place in my heart for Whitney!! I pray for strength and peace in this difficult time for the entire family. I love you Whitney....rest in peace.
February 17, 2014
I am so sorry for your loss. I will remember Whitney's boundless energy and spark! God bless. Georgia Allison, ICD Coordinator USW/USS Great Lakes Works.
February 17, 2014
So very sorry to hear this very sad news. Whitney was my first contact in the ICD community when I started at USS Granite City. Always smiling and always helpful. Deepest sympathy to the family.
Linda Bardelmeier,
February 17, 2014
Debbie Bohling-Rodriguez
So sorry for your loss. I will always remember Whitney's beautiful smile and kind heart!
Debbie Bohling-Rodriguez
Coordinator Gary Works
Career Development
February 17, 2014
Lynnette Stallworth
My thoughts and prayers are with the Norris family.
February 17, 2014
Jim Corcoran
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