Obituary of Joan Marie Padilla

Joan Marie Padilla, a beloved mother, grandmother, and great-grandmother, passed away peacefully on December 9, 2024, in Pensacola, Florida. Born on June 6, 1951, in Troy, Alabama, Joan lived a life marked by devotion to her family and community.

Joan was preceded in death by her parents, William and Mary Dykes, affectionately known as Bagby and Papa, her first husband, Charles W. Messick, and her second husband, Ben Charles Padilla Sr. She also mourned the loss of her sisters, Billy Phipps, Mary Gibson, and Linda Singleton; her daughter, Beverly Shannon Padilla Donaldson; her grandson, Cory Wayne Messick; and her sons-in-law, Charles Padilla Jr., Bruce Padilla Sr., and Joseph Padilla Sr.

She is survived by her sister, Shirley Mobley, and her sons, Wayne Messick, Brian Sandoval, Chris Messick and his wife Kim Pennington, and Jason DePadilla Sr. and his wife Leighann Bray. Joan's legacy continues through her many grandchildren, great-grandchildren, and numerous nieces and nephews.

Joan spent her professional life as a dedicated hairdresser and later served the community through her work with the Escambia County Food Service, from which she retired. Her commitment to helping others extended beyond her career, as she was a generous donor to the International Fellowship of Christians and Jews and a devoted Christian who helped raise three generations.

A service to honor Joan's life will be held at Family-Funeral & Cremation on Friday, December 13, 2024, at 1 p.m. Joan will be remembered for her unwavering kindness and the love she shared with both family and strangers alike. Her nurturing spirit and generous heart will be deeply missed by all who knew her.