Margie Genell Kent

Margie Genell Kent passed away peacefully in her home at Old Union, Texas, on July 25, 2020. Genell was born to Walter and Jewel White Henderson, September 15, 1931, in the home of her maternal grandparents at Old Union. Though an only child, she was surrounded by the love and companionship of the younger siblings of her dad, some of whom lived with her. Her early school years were at Oletha before transitioning to Groesbeck. It was there that she met Johnnie Dewel Kent or “Jay” and proclaimed she would marry him one day, and she did. They married on May 19, 1947, and remained so until his death 62 years later.

After living in Groesbeck and the Houston/Galveston areas, they moved to Dallas, where they raised their children, Sherry, Mike, and Johnny. Her family was the great focus of her love and dedication. When the children entered school, she became active throughout their education, serving as room mother and becoming a lifetime member of the PTA. She looked upon her children’s friends as being her children too, always welcoming the opportunity to have gatherings in their home in which she and Jay delighted in the fun and rarely missed a dance in the process. She embraced life with adventure and kindness. As her children became older and more independent, Genell first went to work at the Dallas Credit Bureau and then worked as a Medical Assistant for many years in which she loved caring for the babies and small children.

In 1975, Genell and Jay returned to Old Union to help her parents and manage the Old Union Store with their son Mike. The arrival of grandchildren during the 1970s brought her great joy and happiness, spending as much time with them as possible as she became their “Mumu”.

In 1985, believing there was a need for a community events building, Genell and jay joined with friends to establish the Old Union Civic Center for which they actively supported for the rest of their lives. Genell enthusiastically maintained the schedule of events until her health prevented it.

Genell undertook the goal of reviving the Oletha Gas Unit in the early 1990s, and with her Aunt Estelene as her traveling companion, they traveled to Houston, New Orleans and Dallas on many occasions until the task was achieved and celebrated by many who benefitted from the endeavor.

Caring for Jay until his death in 2009, Genell’s health began a slow decline. Despite this, she maintained her desire to be with family and friends, always pleased to have visitors, and welcomed them with her sparkling eyes and smile.

She was preceded in death by her parents, Walter and Jewel Henderson and beloved husband Johnnie Dewel, “Jay”. She is survived by her children, Sherry Skinner and husband Mike of Balch Springs, TX; Mike Kent and wife Dee of Mesquite, TX and Johnny Kent of Groesbeck, TX; Grandchildren: Ami Courville and husband Craig of Round Rock, TX; Jeremy Skinner and wife Stacey of Rockwall, TX; Korey Kent of Dallas, TX; Tichia Barrow and husband Lance of Forney, TX; and great-grandchildren: Jackson and Noa Skinner and Walker Barrow.

Her passing is the loss of a loving, compassionate, and caring soul who is already greatly missed by her family and friends.

To Deanna, her caregiver, and Ashley, Kristi, and Dottie of Reliant Hospice Care, the family is forever grateful for the loving care extended to mom and her family.

In lieu of flowers, the family request donations be made to Reliant Hospice Care in Teague, TX. or the Alzheimer’s Association.

Due to Covid-19, and the family’s concern about its ongoing spread, a private family service is being held.