BORN

1933

DIED

2013

FUNERAL HOME

Ellis Resthaven Funeral Home and Memorial Park

4616 North Big Spring Street

Midland, Texas

Joanne Gentry Obituary

Published by Legacy Remembers on May 1, 2013.

Joanne Jones Gentry, age 79 of Midland, TX, passed away on Monday, April 29th. Joanne was born on September 16, 1933 in Sanger, TX to Urena Smith Jones and Homer Jones. She married James U Gentry on August 7, 1954 in Midland, TX. Joanne met Jim on a blind date when he was stationed at Webb Air Force in Big Spring.

Joanne went to work for Kruger Jewelry Co as a DE student in High School. After she and Jim married and he finished his Air Force career they moved to Phoenix, AZ. Jim started to Arizona State in the fall of 1955 and Joanne worked to help him through college.

Their first child Deborah Ann was born July 4th, 1957 in Phoenix. In November 1958 they moved back to Midland and Joanne went back to work for Kruger's and Jim started to work for Henry Black Drilling Co and later for Adobe Oil Co.

Their second child James Theodore was born February 10th, 1962 in Midland. Joanne continued to work for Kruger through December 1981.

In February 1982 they started Joanne's Fine Gifts in downtown and moved to Imperial Shopping Center in 1988 where they are still located.

Joanne loved working in their gift shop and all her customers and people that she met over the years. She also made many fond memories with her family down at her and Jim's lake house in Horseshoe bay. They were members of the First Baptist Church where they enjoyed attending Sunday school class together and their many friends at the church.

She loved her daughter Debbie and her son Ted (Theodore) dearly; her grandson Ryan Elder, her granddaughters Jennifer ONeill Sell and Meggie ONeill, her two great granddaughters Caroline Sell and Kennedy Elder, and her loving husband Jim whom she was married to for 58 years. They were a great pair; you very seldom saw one without the other.

Joanne is preceded in death by her parents, brothers, Billy Dean Jones, Clyde Lyndell Jones and sister Helen Jones Churchwell.

Joanne is survived by her husband Jim, her daughter Debbie ONeill, her son Ted (Theodore) Gentry, her grandson Ryan Elder, her granddaughter Jennifer and her husband Taylor Sell, her granddaughter Meggie ONeill, her great granddaughter's Caroline Sell and Kennedy Elder, her sister's Shirley Fox and Fleta Lopshire, her nephews Marshall and his wife Jolie Fox, Robert Howe and wife Gloria, Billy John Churchwell, Donald Lopshire, nieces Christie Collyer, Lisa Stoddard, Kim Flowers, and Gail Johnson.

Visitation will be held Thursday May 2nd from 6-8 pm at Ellis Funeral Home. Funeral services will be held Friday May 3rd at 2 pm at First Baptist Church. Interment will be held at Resthaven Memorial Park for family and friends following the service. Online Condolences may be offered at www.ellisfunerals.com. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to Hospice or charity of one's choice.

To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.

Memories and Condolences
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Not sure what to say?

May 10, 2013

Janet foster Russell

Jim & kids,
I am so saddened to learn of your recent loss of Joanne! I have been gone from Midland since 1992, but I fondly remember the fun 'adobe' summer parties at your home in MaMar. Joanne was a very classy lady and great hostess.....she had exquisite taste and was always very kind and hospitable to everyone. I am sorry that I am belated in sending my condolences to you.

Sincerely,
Janet Foster Russell

May 5, 2013

Debbie and Jim,
I loved going to the shop and just looking at all the wonderful things Joanne had at her
store and I bought a lot!. Joanne always had time to stop and talk with me so did Debbie I will miss Joanne very much she was so kind and loving with me. Joanne
I will miss hearing your voice when I call. Joanne I will always remember you
and will never forget you so,so sweet. With all my love to Joanne,Jim and of course wonderful Debbie with all my Love and regret
Norma Rodriguez

May 4, 2013

Stephen Gentry

To my Uncle James, Debbie, and Theodore,
I want to express our deep love for a great lady; our Aunt Joanne. I have wonderful memories of when you would all come out to visit us, when we lived in Long Beach and Phoenix. As I've read what others have been saying, I can only add that she was indeed, a very gracious woman, full of warmth and love for others. As a young boy, I remember how she affirmed me in life, and encouraged me to pursue my dreams.
Oh man.....when I think of Uncle James and Aunt Joanne, some of the best memories of my childhood come to mind. My life was so much better because of them, and I'm so very aware that she really did add 'class' to the Gentry Clan when she said yes to marrying my father's younger brother.
I've been wishing we could have been there to honor her, and to express our condolences to you all. I am thankful that my sister, Angel, has helped me with some of the information about her departure. And I do believe that heaven is just a little bit sweeter, since her arrival.
May God bring His comfort to you, and comfort to all those that will surely miss her.
Love from Steve and Ginger

May 3, 2013

Carolyn Sebastian

What a loss to all of the family and Midland community. Joanne was one of the finest ladies I have ever known. She will be terribly missed. I hope that Jim and Debbie will continue the tradition of her lovely gift shop. Thoughts and prayers to all.

May 3, 2013

Dianne Bucy

Family of Mrs. Gentry-
I was so saddened to learn of the death of Joanne. She was such a fine and classy lady. She was so pleasant regardless if I saw her in our office, at church or in her store. Everyone I know had such a high opinion of her. Please know your family will be in my prayers.
Dianne Bucy

May 3, 2013

My prayers and thoughts are with all of Joanne's family. She was such a gracious lady and it was always a pleasure to see her at her shop! She made shopping such a great experience, especially at Christmas! I will miss her guidance.

Patty Steward

May 3, 2013

Sylvia Gonzales Cevallos

Debbie and Family, I am so sorry for your loss. May you find peace in all the memories she left behind. My prayers are with you!

May 3, 2013

Baker Hallford

Jim my thoughts & prayers are with Hiawatha loved Joanne

May 3, 2013

Baker Hallford

Jim I am out of town but my thoughts and prayers are with you. Hiawatha loved Joanne. Baker

May 3, 2013

Christi Marsh

Ted and Dawn - We will be with you today and always in our hearts. The distance makes it especially difficult during times like now, but I hope you can be comforted knowing how much you are loved by your family in Ohio.
Christi and Mike Marsh

May 2, 2013

Randy Murphy

My condolence to the Gentry Family. My prayers are with you all.

May 2, 2013

leesa hartsell brown

I remember this wonderful lady from the first time i met her daughter in ninth grade. She was always a pleasure to be around and always so sweet and gracious when i stayed at their home. She will be a great angel !

May 2, 2013

Paula Nell Jones Lawrence

My condolence to the family. I so wish I could be there, I have good memories of her when we were kids. She was a very sweet person and will be missed. My prayers are with you all.

May 2, 2013

My Condolence to the Gentry family.
Words seem inadequate to express the sadness I feel about Joanne.
My prayers are with you.

Louisa Bigelow

May 2, 2013

LaVerne Morgan

My condolences to the Gentry family. Joanne's was made spectacular by the elegance and graciousness of Mrs. Gentry. I pray for God's love and peace for her family as they know she is in His loving arms.

May 2, 2013

I remember her from her early Krueger days. My prayers are with you.
Bobbie Hilliard

May 2, 2013

Marlene Kasch

To the family of Joanne,

A message to say that many warm and heartfelt thoughts are with you today. I am so sorry for your loss. Joanne was a true lady; I loved her very much.

Marlene Kasch

Showing 1 - 17 of 17 results

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Funeral services provided by:

Ellis Resthaven Funeral Home and Memorial Park

4616 North Big Spring Street, Midland, TX 79705

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