Marilyn East

Marilyn Gentry East, 66, of Halifax County and Danville, Virginia, passed away on May 4, 2018, after an extended illness.      Marilyn was predeceased by her parents, Bruce Gentry and Pauline Giebner, her brother, Bruce Gentry, Jr., and beloved Basset Hound Daisy.     She is survived by her daughter Jordan East Sater, son-in-law Jason, grandsons Harrison and Leyton, sister Pam Dunn, brother Paul Gentry, and innumerable friends.     Marilyn graduated from Halifax County High School and attended Pan American Business School in Richmond.  Best known in Danville as the Lancome representative at Belk’s, Marilyn enjoyed a long career in retail.       An extraordinary singer and actress, Marilyn participated in a variety of  local theatrical productions.  She was a member of DACAS, Mt. Vernon United Methodist Church, and Little Theatre of Danville.  She enjoyed classical music, Broadway musicals (especially Les Mis), motorcycle rides, Ma Possum’s, and Marlboro Light cigarettes. She manicured her lawn with scissors and loved to read.      Her friends and family will miss her irreverent comments, contagious laugh, and glowing smile.      Thank you to all the doctors and medical staff at Danville Hematology and Oncology, the Center for Radiation Oncology, and Commonwealth Hospice for their kindness and compassion throughout Marilyn’s illness.  Special thanks to Linda Johnson, her devoted caregiver, and to her friends Sue Glidewell, Nancy Mayhew, Beverly Davies,  and Jerry Wyatt, all of whom went above and beyond to care for and comfort her during the last 14 months.     The family suggests memorial donations be made to the Danville-Pittsylvania Cancer Association, Danville Area Humane Society, or the charity of your choice.     Arrangements are being handled by Townes Funeral Home and a celebration of life will be held at a later time.  Until then, Marilyn would say, “Two tears in a bucket…”