Mary “Joan” Deese, 69, of Milton, passed away Thursday, October 12, 2017.

“Mary Joan” was the beloved wife, of 53 years, of John Deese, and a loving mother and mamaw. She loved spending time with her husband and family, and especially loved spoiling her grandchildren. She was a beautiful Christian woman that loved the Lord and served him in many ways. She was a longtime member of Holley Assembly of God Church where she loved to praise the Lord with her singing; she was a blessing to all that heard her sing. She also served in the food ministry and Young @ Heart.

She has taken a part of our hearts with her, but what remains will forever be full of her love, laughter and pure joy of a lifetime of memories that we were so blessed to spend with her.

Joan is predeceased by her daughter, Lawana Sue Deese; her parents, Ollie Berry Smith and Lilly Irine Smith; her sister and brother-in-law, Marva (M.C.) Cromeans; and her sister, Patsy Hoke.

She is survived by her loving husband, John E. Deese, Sr.; her son and daughter-in-law, John E. and Kellie Deese, Jr.; three grandchildren, Cody Deese, Hunter Deese and Morgan Harris; her very loved foster children, Sandy, Robby and Shawna; eight siblings, James (Shirley) Barnes, Stella (Gene) Beckham, Jerry (Helen) Smith, Oneal (Sharon) Smith, Wanda Smith Long, David (Pansy) Smith, Donnie (Debbie) Smith, and Donna Jean (John) Thompson; and a host of many loved in-laws, nieces, and nephews.

Funeral Services will be held at 11:15 a.m., Wednesday, October 18, 2017, at Holley Assembly of God Church, with Pastor Doug Barber officiating. Burial will follow services at 2:00 p.m. in Barrancas National Cemetery, onboard Pensacola Naval Air Station.

Visitation will be held 10:30 a.m. – 11:15 a.m., prior to the service.