Joan Gaston

Our beloved Joan B. Gaston (Auntie) was born on April 18, 1949, in Pensacola, Florida, to the late Joseph and Bestanna Gaston. She departed this life to be with her heavenly father on August 21, 2025, at the age of 76, leaving behind a legacy of love that will echo through generations.
Joan enjoyed serving others. For many years, she faithfully served meals to men and women on the Navy base, finding joy in caring for those who served our country. She later retired from the school board as a food service worker, ensuring each child felt special and cared for. Her true gift was making everyone feel welcome, turning even ordinary moments into warm connections.
But Joan was so much more than her work-she was the heartbeat of every gathering, the spark that made everything brighter. She loved to dance-oh, how she loved, loved, loved to dance-and her radiant smile could light up the darkest room and lift the heaviest spirit.
She was deeply faithful to God and never met a stranger; through her warm conversation and that unforgettable laugh, she could turn anyone into a lifelong friend. Even in the face of life's greatest challenges, including her illness, she never complained. Her forgiving spirit and tender heart were pure gifts to all who were blessed to know her.
Joan served her church as a choir member, usher, and faithful participant, giving her time and talents with pure joy. She was also a proud daughter of the Orange Blossom Temple #661, where she was truly embraced.
She was preceded in death by her sisters, Eleanor H. Grimsley and Julia Gaston, and her brother Rosmond Dixon. Left here on earth to cherish her beautiful life and memory are her stepdaughter, Raven Gray; brother, Richard Gaston; three nieces, Sharron Rios, Marilynn Jones, and Jacqueline Hunter; Annie Peebles; Gary Hunter; and numerous great and great-great nieces, nephews, and cousins. She was blessed with many friends, but none more cherished than her three dearest companions, Della Allen, Carolyn Lett, and Vickie Brown, who stood by her side when it mattered most.
The family offers our deepest appreciation to all of the nurses who cared for her with such tenderness, especially the caregivers at Gentiva and Suncrest Omni, whose kindness and compassion were a true comfort during our most difficult days. We also extend our heartfelt gratitude to everyone who visited Joan during her illness and to all who have offered kind words, prayers, and support during this time of grief.
As a final reflection, we share verses from her favorite hymn and scripture-words that carried her through life and now carry us through our sorrow:
"What a friend we have in Jesus,
All our sins and griefs to bear!
What a privilege to carry
Everything to God in prayer!"
"The Lord is my light and my salvation-whom shall I fear? The Lord is the stronghold of my life-of whom shall I be afraid?" -Psalm 27:1