Debra Gentry Ballard
Debra Gentry Ballard, 73, of Beaumont, died Thursday, January 11, 2024. She was born on December 20, 1950, to Janet Wilson Gentry and James Gentry, in Charlotte, North Carolina.
She and her husband, Sonny, got married after just 9 days together and built that into a beautiful life together for 53 ½ years. Debra was the hub of the family and truly kept things moving. This adventure of life together was a lifelong journey, and she would tell you she had the best travel companion. A devoted mother and wife, Debra will be deeply missed by all who knew her.
Survivors include her husband, Rufus “Sonny” Ballard, Jr.; children, Rufus Ballard III and Troy Ballard, Sr.; grandchildren, Rufus Ballard IV, Troy Ballard, Jr., Cameron Ballard, Emma Ballard, Dominique Ballard, Jacob Ballard, and Kiah Ballard; and great-grandchildren, Ivy Ballard, Elena Ballard, and Lelia Rosner.
She is preceded in death by her father, James Gentry; mother, Janet Wilson Stegall; stepfather, Banks Watson Stegall; and son, Mark Ballard.
A gathering of Mrs. Ballard’s family and friends will begin at 9:00 a.m., with her funeral service at 10:00 a.m., Thursday, January 18, 2024, at Broussard’s 1605 North Major Drive, Beaumont. Her interment will follow at Haven of Rest Cemetery, Beaumont
Video
Gathering of Family and Friends
Broussard’s Mortuary Major Dr.
- 1605, North Major Drive, Beaumont, Texas, 77713,
- January 18, 2024
- 9:00 am - 10:00 am
Funeral Service
Broussard’s Mortuary Major Dr.
- 1605, North Major Drive, Beaumont, Texas, 77713,
- January 18, 2024
- 10:00 am
Interment
Haven of Rest Cemetery
- 13851, U.S. 90, Beaumont, Texas, 77713,
- January 18, 2024
I’m sorry for y’all’s loss I’ll be praying for you guys!
I can’t find the words to express my feelings. Debra has been a very close family member and friend for many years. She will be missed!
Thank you so much for always being part of this wonderful family and for treating Debbie like a sister.
TO MY SISTER YOU WILL ALWAYS BE IN MY HEART
Thank you Bonnie, for being a wonderful friend and more like a sister to Debbie.
TO MY SISTER YOU WILL ALWAYS BE IN MY HEART.
You are in heaven with Mom and Andy. I still remember the day you taught me to color in the lines at the Village lane Apartments. Thank you so much for always treating me like I was one of your own. I’m gonna miss you so much. I love you so much aunt Debbie❤️
Thank you, Penny. Debbie always treated everyone of her relatives with so much love for each and every one of them. There were no favorites, every one was equal in her heart.