Joyce Steen Gentry Dillard

On Friday, May 6, 1955, in Burleson County, Texas, a beautiful baby girl was born to the union of the late Jade(J.D.) Gentry, Sr. and Florence (Eldridge) Gentry.  They proudly named her Joyce Steen Gentry.  She was the second oldest of a second generation of children.

At an early age, Joyce obeyed the Gospel and was baptized into the Church of Christ.  She faithfully attended Zion Church of Christ in Lyons, Texas.

Joyce attended Emmitt J. Scott School and other local schools in the Burleson County area.  She married Melvin Dillard in 1970.  This union was blessed with three wonderful children.

Joyce furthered her education, attending dietery supervisory school in Austin, Texas.  She also briefly studied at Blinn College in Brenham, Texas.  She had a very very strong work ethic, which enabled her to work many various jobs.  She was employed at Brenham State School, Texas A&M University, Sweetbriar Nursing Home(as a dietary supervisor), Texas Department of Public Safety(Headquarters in Austin, Texas) and finally Germania Insurance Company, where she retired in 2020 after 17 years of service.

Joyce loved the Lord and faithfully studied His word.  She loved to sing and engage in biblical discussions.  She found great joy in family gatherings, traveling when she could and attending jazz music festivals.  She was an avid collector of jazz music.  Her attributes as a great wife, good mother, excellent daughter and loving sister will always be remembered.  Cooking was one of her gifts, as she was excellent in her culinary skills.

On the morning of Wednesday, September 18, 2024, Joyce transitioned from this earthly life.  She was preceded in death by:  her parents and six siblings, Lee Edward Gentry, Charlie Joe Gentry, Nancy Lee Gentry, Farris Gentry, J.D. Gentry, Jr. and James Gentry.

Left to hold treasured memories in their hearts are:  her two daughters, Trissa T. Dillard and Rachel E. Dillard; her only son, Roosevelt R. Dillard; her siblings, Johnny Gentry(Brenda) of Houston, Texas, Felix Gentry(Leda) of Gay Hill, Texas, Florene Gentry-Wilson(Anthony) of Lyons, Texas, David Gentry(Cathey) of Hockley, Texas, Rosie Gentry-Garfield of Bryan, Texas, Willie Gentry of Waller, Texas and Virgil Gentry(LaTrishia) of Sugarland, Texas; and a host of nieces, nephews, cousins and friends.

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