Mrs. Linda C. Gentry-Byrd

On October 22, 1955, in Denison, TX, the late Cleo Gentry and Dorothy Gentry brought into this world this beautiful baby girl, Linda Cleo Gentry, affectionately known as “Lynn”. She departed this life on July 2,2024 at 4:35pm. Linda was baptized at an early age at St. Luke CME Church in Denison, Texas, under the pastorship of Rev. Lott. As a young girl, her grandmother would make sure she attended church service every Sunday. As a teenager, Linda and her friends sang in the choir together at church and formed their own youth choir called the “Hephzibah” where they would perform in talent shows. She also sang in another group called “Afro American Youth Choir” at Array Olive COGIC/Greater Coffee Memorial COGIC in Denison, TX. Linda attended Denison Public Schools and graduated from Denison High School in 1974. As a young teenager, she enjoyed hanging out with her friends, walking around the neighborhood, and enjoying life as much as she could. Linda's vibrancy, her infectious laughter, and her warm spirit were the essence of every room she walked into. Her strength was evident in the lives she touched, and the love she had for her family was unparalleled. She was a woman of substance, a beacon of light, and an embodiment of resilience. On May 7, 1999, Linda married the late Perry Byrd, a union that was filled with love, laughter, and shared dreams. Linda was a caring mother, grandmother, sister, aunt, and friend. She lived a fulfilling life. She resided in Aurora, Colorado, where she had spent her golden years in tranquility. After retiring from the retail industry, Linda spent her time taking care of the elderly, volunteering at church, making sure her fingernails were always looking “FABULOUS”, shopping for purses and shoes along with spoiling her grandchildren as much as possible. She was a member of King Baptist Church in Denver, Colorado, and a faithful servant of the Lord. She was a dedicated member of the choir and enjoyed spending time with her fellow choir members. She loved to sing and praise God. She often spoke highly of the choir and how much she loved and cherished King Baptist Church. She was proceeded in death by her husband, the late Perry Byrd; her father, Cleo Gentry; mother, Dorothy Gentry; brother, Michael Tutt; sister, Precious Watson. Linda leaves to cherish in her memory are her beautiful children, one daughter, Janise Gentry of Denver, Colorado, one son, Mickel Blanton of Sherman, Texas, six grandchildren, Jamoni Collins, Jariah Collins, Janiah Collins all of Denver, Colorado, Myzel Blanton, Aurora, Colorado, Kaleb Graves, Dallas, Texas and Kordell Blanton, Denver, Colorado, three sisters, Maria Gilliam, Sherman, Texas, Eva Oliver, Aurora, Colorado, Pamela Alexander (Shadrick), New Iberia, Louisiana one brother Clinton Gentry, Dallas, Texas and a host of nieces, nephews, extended family and friends. Linda's life was a journey of joy and challenges, and through it all, she remained steadfast and optimistic. In the words of Maya Angelou "I've learned that people will forget what you said, people will forget what you did, but people will never forget how you made them feel." Linda made everyone feel cherished, and her memory will continue to shine brightly in our hearts.

Mrs. Linda C. Gentry-Byrd

October 22, 1955 - July 2, 2024