Fay Gaither

Fay Gaither passed away November 8th, a month shy of her 92nd birthday.  Fay was born in Canton to the late Mary and Leon (Chuck) Payne on December 16, 1927.   She spent her childhood in the Pelahatchie area.

Fay was an Air Force wife and mom while married to her first husband, Buford E. Gentry.  She loved the many experiences and cities that she lived in during this time.   She always talked about the time we all traveled to London on the maiden voyage of the USS United States, from New York to London.   Being in the Air Force required several moves, all of which Fay made the best of.

Later in life, Fay moved back to Mississippi and with her three children, Chuck, Mike and Tina to the town of Morton.  She was remarried to James Gaither and spent the next years raising her three children.  Fay and her husband later moved to Brandon.  After her husband passed away, she moved to Jackson.  With each move she quickly made numerous new friends.

Fay was well known in the Jackson area through her plant business, Plants Unlimited, which opened for business in 1977. She would often be seen in restaurants, private homes and office buildings watering and taking care of the plants. She is remembered for the many weddings and graduations which she decorated with green palms and ferns.  She had a green thumb and was always willing to help others in need of plant advice and care. Her plant business finally closed in 2015.

In her later years Fay continued to be creative and helpful to others.  While at the Nursing and Rehab Center in Brandon, she acted as President of the Red Hat Society. Members of the society would often go to her for help in creating their own personalized red hats.   She enjoyed making flower arrangements and door decorations for other residents at the center. Fay was well taken care of at the Brandon Nursing and Rehab Center. The family truly appreciated everyone there involved in her care and for the love shown to her. Fay was a kind and generous soul; she truly never met a stranger.

Fay was preceded in death by her first husband, Buford E. Gentry and later by husband James Gaither.   Survivors include, daughter Tina McLellan (Ralph), two sons, Michael Gentry (Kathy) and Chuck Gentry (Chrissy).   Three granddaughters, Emily Eaton, Claire Eaton and Ella Gentry Vance (Josh) and one grandson, Steven Gentry (Jodi).  Three great grandchildren, Kannon Gentry, Mari Blake Gentry, Macie Gentry.

Visitation will be held November 26th from 5:00 to 7:00 at Ott and Lee Funeral Home in Brandon. A private family burial was held at Gulde Methodist Cemetery in Pelahatchie.