Leantonette Williams-Gentry

 To everything there is a season, and a time to every purpose under the heaven: a time to be born and a time to die; Ecclesiates 3:1-2. 

Leantonette Evette Williams-Gentry affectionately called (Lee Lee) was born May 12, 1970 at Memorial Hospital in the city of St. Joseph, MI to Linda C. Williams and Sammy Dyer. Leantonette gave her life to the Lord at an early age, and was baptized at Hopewell Missionary Baptist Church under the leadership of Rev. John A. Simmons Sr. 

Leantonette (Lee Lee) was formally educated in the Benton Harbor Area School district and also attended Eau Claire and Coloma High School graduating in 1988 from Coloma High School. She was an avid student that enjoyed school and frequently stayed on the honor roll. She had a sharp mind and loved to debate. She married the love of her life John Gentry July 4, 2021. In 2023 they moved from Benton Harbor to Lexington, Kentucky with her youngest daughter Aaliyah. 

Leantonette loved cooking and could frequently be found catering special events for family and friends. She worked at several top notch restaurants throughout the local area. She worked numerous jobs from head cook to kitchen manager. She loved caring for and serving people. She had the gift of hospitality and a special gift of cooking inherited from both her mother and her grandmother. She achieved one of her biggest goals when she received her CNA and immediately began caring for those who needed love, good health care and a listening ear. Many of her patients fell in love with her kind, loving and feisty spirit. 

She also loved her family and was known as the feisty and ornery champion of all the 5 children of her mother. She also had a heart that overflowed with love for her children, grandchildren, nieces, nephews, cousins, aunts’, uncles and family in general. The loves of her life were her children: Neasha, E’Daniel, Danielle, Andreana, Andrae’, and Aaliyah. 

On Saturday February 28, 2025 Leantonette took her final rest. She leaves behind a legacy of perseverance, love and an indelible mark on all who were fortunate enough to know her. While we grieve her absence, we celebrate the incredible woman she was: a warrior, a mother, a wife, a sister, a cousin, a niece and dear friend. 

Leantonette leaves behind to cherish her precious memory: her husband John Gentry, her children, Neasha Wilson, E’ Daniel Smith, Danielle Williams, Andreana Willams, Andrae’ Lipscomb and Aaliyah Reynolds. Her father Sammy Dyer Sr. Her siblings:Brothers: DuWayne Williams, Charles Hill, Sammy Dyer Jr., Brandon Livingston, Sampson Davis, & Moses Songs. Sisters: Tamika (Don) Hunter, & Lisa Turner, her Uncles: Willie J. Williams Jr (Portage,MI), Dwight C. Williams (Grandville, MI), Dwayne Hadley ( Oceanside,CA.) Aunt Jacquelyn (Vaughn) Clement of Benton Harbor, MI. Godson Edward Haley Jr., Goddaughter Quanita Wilburn, (17) grandchildren, Aiyanna Bridgeman,Coreyanna Bridgeman, Niyanna Bridgeman, Emariyanna Wilson, Corey Bridgeman Jr.,Terriyona Smith, A’miyah Day, E’marione Smith, Sirin Tinker, Anthony Moore Jr., E’najiah Williams, K’hrystan Williams, Camariah Williams, Jersey Judson, Khy’lynn Williams, A’mariah Burrell, and Skyla Williams, a host of nieces, nephews, great nieces & great nephews along with a host of cousins, extended family and many dear and close friends. 

Leantonette was preceded in death by her son Shaquille Williams, her mother Linda Hill, her brother Shauntae’ Hill, her brother Damon Hill, maternal grandparents Willie & Mary Williams Sr., paternal grandparents Charlie & Ruby Dyer Sr, Uncles: Nathaniel Lipkins Jr., Otis Dyer, Charlie Dyer Jr. and many more family and loved ones. 

Though her time seemed far too short, Leantonette’s love, laughter, and determined spirit will continue to live on in the hearts of all who knew and loved her. 

May she rest in peace. 

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