Irma Lois Gentry Lance
November 1, 1936 ~ January 31, 2026
Born in:
Candler, North Carolina
Resided in:
Arden, North Carolina
Asheville Butterfly TrailIrma Lois Gentry Lance was a beloved mother, grandmother, great grandmother, sister, aunt and mother in law. Irma Lois passed away peacefully at home on January 31, 2026.
Irma Lois was born on November 1, 1936 in Candler, NC to Albert and Louise Green Gentry. She grew up on the family farm with her brother and sister, David and Mary. Irma Lois was a graduate of Candler High School.
Irma Lois was known for her boundless energy whether in an office, garden, or as a volunteer at Fletcher First Baptist Church. She could rescue fading flowers and wilted greenery to restore their natural beauty, with a little water and coaxing. Her homemade cookies and candies were greatly enjoyed by her family, and even her fruitcake was wonderful!
Irma Lois went to Fletcher First Baptist Church. In later years, she enjoyed the regular and special services on her laptop. She was a fast learner on her device and thereby maintained a deep connection to her church community.
Surviving family members included her children Diane Higgins (William) of Charlotte, NC, Darlene Soyars of Fletcher, NC, Lewis Lance (Christa), of Fletcher, NC and Daryl Lance of Salisbury, NC; her brother David Gentry of Fletcher, NC and sister Mary Ruth Norton of Hendersonville, NC.
Irma Lois was blessed with ten grandchildren and one great grandchild. Her nieces and nephews, cousins and family will especially miss her at holiday gatherings where all had a place at the table. She counted Angela Lance as a special blessing. Jerry and Debbie Angel were truly wonderful to Irma Lois, and she was deeply grateful for their friendship.
Irma Lois’ family is forever grateful to the Four Seasons Hospice Care team for their ongoing palliative and hospice care.
Memorial gifts may be made to St. Jude’s Children’s Hospital (stjude.org) or the Four Seasons Foundation (fourseasonsfdn.org) in lieu of flowers.
Services will be at Fletcher First Baptist Church on Saturday, February 7, 2026 with visitation at 11 A.M. and the Funeral Service at 12 Noon. Burial will immediately follow the funeral at Pisgah View Memorial Park in Candler.
Groce Funeral Home’s Lake Julian team is assisting the family.
Services
Funeral Service: February 7, 2026 12:00 pm
Fletcher First Baptist Church
5 Cane Creek Road
Fletcher, NC 28732
(828)687-1031
Visitation: February 7, 2026 11:00 am - 12:00 pm
Fletcher First Baptist Church
5 Cane Creek Road
Fletcher, NC 28732
(828)687-1031
Burial: February 7, 2026 1:30 pm
Pisgah View Memorial Park
1529 Smokey Park Hwy
Candler, NC 28715
(828) 667-4415
Funeral Home Assisting The Family:
Groce Funeral Home at Lake Julian
72 Long Shoals Road
Arden, NC 28704
(828)687-3530
http://grocefuneralhome.com
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Lois was one of our first friends when we joined Fletcher First Baptist. She was a sweet, friendly lady. I will always remember her with love. I pray for her family that she was so proud of. Mary Sagonias
Prayers for the families and friends 🧡 🙏🙏
Lois was our neighbor in Texas. She was a kind and compassionate person who always made me feel welcome. My condolences to the family. I am sure she will be missed but it is good that she is at peace
Diane,
I just wanted to let you know I am praying for you and your family. My heartfelt sympathies to you all.
Diane and family, I’m saddened for you by your mother’s passing. Very hard to lose a parent. Will be praying for you in the days and weeks to come
Diane, I am so sorry for the loss of your mother. My heart goes out to you all. May God give you all peace knowing she is in a much better place. God bless you all.
Sorry for your lost. The sad thing as we age seems to be the lost of our family and friends. Parents are the most significant ones and the hardest but remember they are always alive in our hearts and souls.
Diane~ I’m so sorry for the loss of your Beautiful Mother. I’m praying that God will comfort you during this very difficult time. Cindy Lawson
May God give you and family strength and peace at this time.
Diane, I am so very sorrow to hear of the loss of your mother. It is never easy. Prayers for peace and comfort and may sweet memories follow in your heart.
So sorry for your loss. Praying for peace that only God can give.
Dear Diane and family, I am sorry to hear about the passing of your wonderful mother. May God continue to comfort you in your loss, and may her rich life of service and love surround you daily.
Prayers being lifted for the family of
Ms. Lois. She was a very sweet and kind neighbor. I know she will be greatly missed! We live across the street from her home. We were neighbors for many years!