Mr. Joe Louis Dennis

Joe Louis Dennis, age 78, passed away peacefully on May 6, 2025, in Houston, TX. Born on February 18, 1947, in San Augustine, TX, Joe was a beloved son of Louis Dennis and Doris Garrett Dennis. He was baptized at Mt. Dena Baptist Church at the age of six. In 1956, he moved to the Fifth Ward area of Houston, where he attended Atherton Elementary. After relocating to Trinity Gardens, he continued his education at Sanderson Elementary and later attended Kashmere Gardens Junior and Senior High Schools, graduating in 1965. He attended Texas Southern University (TSU) until joining the United States Air Force in 1967. After serving overseas and completing his tour of duty in 1971, he returned and worked in the oil and gas industry in addition to starting AJM Welding Services with his brother, Arthur, designing burglar bars and BBQ pits. He earned his Bachelor of Science in Drafting and Design Technology from TSU in 1983. In 1988, he obtained his teaching certification and changed careers to become a special education teacher in the Houston Independent School District (HISD). After receiving a degree of Master of Education and Mid-Management Administrative Certification in 1999, he was later promoted to assistant principal, a role he held until his retirement in 2003. Joe joined Forest Lawn Missionary Baptist Church as a youth and served faithfully as a deacon, educational director, and as a member of both the Male Chorus and Men of Character. Joe was active in the Shepherd Park Terrace neighborhood civic club, serving as president and as a member of Citizens on Patrol. He was a devoted and active class member of the Kashmere Gardens Senior High School Class of 1965 participating in reunion planning and activities. He is survived by his best friend and the love of his life, Gloria Dean King Dennis; his children Erika (W. Victor), Jason (Jennifer), and Caroline (Barry); four granddaughters Erinn, Elise, Carrington, and Scarlett; and four grandsons Jahqualon, Xaivier, Barry Carter, and Jameson. He is also survived by his sisters Ella Hines and Doris Marie Dennis. He is preceded in death by his siblings Patricia, Arthur (Sandra—living), Donnie (Vinita—deceased), Darlene, and Diana. Joe leaves behind a host of nieces, nephews, cousins, and friends who will deeply miss him and forever cherish his memory.

Mr. Joe Louis Dennis

February 18, 1947 - May 6, 2025