Joan Cochran Baxley, our mother, "Meemaw", sister, and friend, passed away peacefully on Sunday, July 25, 2021 at BNRC in Bonifay, FL.  She was born on the 28th of November in 1935, in Sylvester, GA.  Shortly after marrying she relocated to Florida to fulfill her dream of creating a big loving family.  She is survived by her children, Robert Joseph, Sr., (Lynn) of Greenwood,  Cynthia Lee "Cindy" Owens of Bonifay, David Christopher Baxley of Chipley; five grandchildren, Robert Joseph Baxley, Jr., Patrick Ryan Baxley, Amber Nicole LeeAnn Owens, Brittany LeeAnn Baxley, and Brigham Ray Baxley; "sister"/best friend, Ginger Lewis of Chipley, Fl.  She was preceded in death by her parents, George and Rosa Lee Cochran, her loving husband, Harvey Baxley Sr., her brother, James Robert Cochran, her sister, Rose Cavin, two sons, Harvey Baxley, Jr, Craig Marshall Baxley, and her granddaughter, Amy Rachel Owens.

Joan was strong and feisty yet incredibly compassionate, and she devoted herself to caring for her family.  A member of the First Baptist Church in Chipley, she was a devoted Christian capable of weathering life's storms gracefully with her strong faith in God.  With much pride in her Georgia roots, she loved telling stories about her childhood and the fun she had with her aunts and uncles, siblings and cousins.  Her favorite pastime was helping with events and activities in which her family was involved, and she made certain that their friends felt welcome in the home.  They were the fortunate beneficiaries of her amazing cooking skills and southern dishes.  Her front porch was full of plants kept beautiful with her green thumb, and her front door was as open as the bible she kept near her at all times.  She was always quick to offer up a fresh glass of sweet tea or a witty one-liner capable of delivering a belly laugh as well as a dose of truth.  She was unapologetically herself, and she was a woman full of unwavering faith in God and family.  Truly a spiritual warrior she continued to fight the good fight as she was found daily at the bedside of her disabled son Craig for over thirty years.

Our family is grateful for the compassionate doctors and nurses of Bonifay Nursing and Rehabilitative Center and Emerald Coast Hospice Care who provided her the peacefulness and dignity to move to her Heavenly home.

"I have fought the good fight.  I have finished the race.  I have kept the faith.  Now there is in store for me the crown of righteousness which the Lord, the righteous Judge, will award to me on that day and not only to me but also to all who have longed for his appearance."

2 Timothy 4: 7-8