Elizabeth “Betsy” Lynn Powell Gentry

Elizabeth “Betsy” Lynn Powell Gentry, age 63, of Winter Park, Florida, passed away July 27, 2026, in her home after a courageous battle with a swift, unforgiving metastatic breast cancer.

Her father, Capt. (ret) Alton Linwood Powell III, M.D., had the honor of delivering his own daughter on August 9, 1962, at Naval Air Station Port Lyautey in Kenitra, Morocco. As part of a Navy family, Betsy moved between Virginia, South Carolina, and Florida throughout her childhood. Betsy attended Florida Southern College, earning her bachelor’s degree in Business Administration and Computer Data Processing in 1984. She began her early career in accounting and finance before marrying William Gentry in 1991. Together, they settled in Winter Park and welcomed their cherished daughter, Elizabeth, in 1994. Over her career, Betsy established herself as a skilled and dedicated leader in corporate accounting, rising to serve as Director of Accounting.

In 2023, after far too many overtime hours, Betsy retired to embrace what truly mattered most. She kept retirement busy, caring for her mom, enriching her life with hobbies, setting up their bucket-list Maggie Valley house, and soaking up time with her beloved grandsons. Throughout her life, Betsy’s creativity knew no bounds. From basket weaving to Zentangle, intricate puzzles to junk journaling, crafting her treasured handmade cards, and spending fulfilling hours scrapbooking, Betsy’s hands were always making something beautiful.

Betsy is survived by her loving husband, William; devoted daughter, Elizabeth Pham (Harry); two beautiful grandsons, Thomas and Theodore; her mother, Betty Powell; her brother, Jeff Powell (Jayne); as well as her nephew, extended family, and dear friends. She was preceded in death by her father, Capt. Alton Linwood Powell III, M.D., and her brother, Richard “Skip” Powell.

She leaves behind a legacy of love, warmth, joy, and creativity that will continue to bloom in the hearts of all who knew her. Whenever you find yourself listening to the waves at the ocean, standing by a quiet mountain stream, sitting at a crafting table, taking in a field of sunflowers, or admiring gingerbread decor during Christmas, know that Betsy is near.

In lieu of flowers, memorial donations may be made in Betsy’s honor to the following organizations:

METAvivor(Metastatic Breast Cancer Research) at metavivor.org

Dolly Parton’s Imagination Library (Early Childhood Literacy) at imaginationlibrary.com

St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital (Pediatric Cancer Care & Research) at stjude.org

Fisher House Foundation (Supporting Military Families) at fisherhouse.org

Service details to follow.

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