Carole Lucille Gentry Pentony, Ph.D., of Houston, Texas, passed away on Monday, October 19, 2026, in Katy, TX, at age 83, after a life of love, gratitude, and Christian contemplation. She was born on February 3, 1943, in St. Louis, Missouri, to Harry and Bernice Gentry.
Carole graduated from St. Elizabeth Academy in 1961 and went on to earn her undergraduate degree from Webster College in 1965. She later attended the University of Texas at Austin (UT), where she earned her Doctorate of Philosophy in psychology. Carole also met her husband and lifelong partner, Joe Pentony, at UT. They married on June 1, 1968.
Carole shared her knowledge and passion for child development as a psychology professor at the University of St. Thomas in Houston and as a school
Beyond her professional accomplishments, Carole was deeply devoted to spiritual growth, both her own and that of others. She found particular meaning in Centering Prayer, a Christian contemplative practice. She dedicated much of her life to teaching and leading groups in this discipline and formed some of her deepest relationships through its practice. Through her work as a psychologist, educator, and spiritual guide, Carole touched countless lives, helping others grow in understanding, compassion, and faith; and spreading peace, love, and gratitude with every breath. Carole is survived by Joseph F. Pentony Jr. (Amy Tanner) of Houston, Texas and Eileen Morris (Chris) of Schaumburg, Illinois; beloved grandsons Evan Pentony and Colin and Paul Morris; brothers Jim Gentry (Ellen Henningsen) of Madison, Wisconsin, Mike Gentry (Mary Ann) of High Ridge, Missouri, and Tom Gentry of St. Louis, Missouri; and nieces and nephews, Peter Gentry, Kate Henningsen, Angela Tabash, Mark Gentry, and their spouses and children. Carole is preceded in death by her husband of 37 years, Joseph F. Pentony Sr., and her parents, Bernice Horstdaniel Gentry and Harry Gentry. Services will be held on Saturday, November 7 at 1 p.m. at Corpus Christi Catholic Church at 9900 Stella Link Rd, Houston, TX 77025, with a reception to follow. In lieu of flowers, consider a memorial donation to the Contemplative Network, www.contemplative.net, PO Box 941464, Houston, Texas 77094.
Services
Celebration of Life
Sat. Nov. 7, 2026
1:00 pm
Corpus Christi Catholic Church
9900 Stella Link Rd.
Houston ,TX77025.
Corpus Christi Catholic Church
Houston ,TX77025.
Carole Lucille Gentry Pentony, Ph.D., of Houston, Texas, passed away on Monday, October 19, 2026, in Katy, TX, at age 83, after a life of love, gratitude, and Christian contemplation. She was born on February 3, 1943, in St. Louis, Missouri, to Harry and Bernice Gentry.
Carole graduated from St. Elizabeth Academy in 1961 and went on to earn her undergraduate degree from Webster College in 1965. She later attended the University of Texas at Austin (UT), where she earned her Doctorate of Philosophy in psychology. Carole also met her husband and lifelong partner, Joe Pentony, at UT. They married on June 1, 1968.
Carole shared her knowledge and passion for child development as a psychology professor at the University of St. Thomas in Houston and as a school psychologist for the Pasadena Independent School District. She spent most of her career in private practice, which she found deeply rewarding, having worked with clients until a few years before her death.
Beyond her professional accomplishments, Carole was deeply devoted to spiritual growth, both her own and that of others. She found particular meaning in Centering Prayer, a Christian contemplative practice. She dedicated much of her life to teaching and leading groups in this discipline and formed some of her deepest relationships through its practice. Through her work as a psychologist, educator, and spiritual guide, Carole touched countless lives, helping others grow in understanding, compassion, and faith; and spreading peace, love, and gratitude with every breath.
Carole is survived by Joseph F. Pentony Jr. (Amy Tanner) of Houston, Texas and Eileen Morris (Chris) of Schaumburg, Illinois; beloved grandsons Evan Pentony and Colin and Paul Morris; brothers Jim Gentry (Ellen Henningsen) of Madison, Wisconsin, Mike Gentry (Mary Ann) of High Ridge, Missouri, and Tom Gentry of St. Louis, Missouri; and nieces and nephews, Peter Gentry, Kate Henningsen, Angela Tabash, Mark Gentry, and their spouses and children.
Carole is preceded in death by her husband of 37 years, Joseph F. Pentony Sr., and her parents, Bernice Horstdaniel Gentry and Harry Gentry.
Services will be held on Saturday, November 7 at 1 p.m. at Corpus Christi Catholic Church at 9900 Stella Link Rd, Houston, TX 77025, with a reception to follow.
In lieu of flowers, consider a memorial donation to the Contemplative Network, www.contemplative.net, PO Box 941464, Houston, Texas 77094.
Guest Book