Joan R. "Joni" Gentry Thompson

Feb. 10, 1956 - Nov. 6, 2011 SOUTH BEND - Joan R. "Joni" Gentry Thompson, 55, who resided in Indianapolis, Indiana, formerly of South Bend, departed from this life Sunday, November 6, 2011 in Indianapolis. On February 10, 1956, in South Bend, Joan was born to the union of Herbert and Nellie (Fox) Gentry.

Joan graduated from John Adams High School in 1974. She had been employed as a Nursing Assistant.

Joan and Elton Thompson were married in South Bend on November 3, 1990. Among her favorite hobbies were hand crafting and helping with the elderly.

Loved ones who survive to cherish her memory include a daughter, Nicole Gentry-Buchanon; four sons, Carlas Buchanon, Terez (Tamala) Parker, John Thompson and Martin Beserra, all of South Bend; 22 grandchildren; one great-grandchild; two sisters, Rae Gentry and Helen Robinson, both of South Bend; and one brother, Michael Gentry of Tampa, Florida, along with other relatives and friends.

She was preceded in death by her parents, Herbert and Nellie Gentry; and four brothers, Ricky Gentry, Michael Gentry, John Wilson and Charles Wilson. Funeral services for Joan Thompson will be held at 3:00 p.m., Saturday, November 12, 2011 at Jesus is the Rock Church, 52248 Laurel Road, South Bend. Friends may call one half hour prior to the service at the church. Arrangements have been entrusted to Alford's Mortuary where messages of condolence may be e-mailed to alford smortuary@att.net c/o The Thompson Family.