Joan A. Ennis (née Barrow) entered the gates of Heaven on December 27, 2025, at the age of 91, to be forever in the presence of her Lord and Savior.

Born on November 5, 1934, in Pensacola, Florida, to George Lemont Barrow, Sr., and Louise Miller Barrow, Joan lived a life marked by faithful service, selfless love and unwavering devotion to her family, community and church.

As a 55-year resident of Gulf Breeze, Florida, Joan was a joyful ambassador for her beloved hometown, often sharing with perfect strangers at the grocery store how wonderful it was to live and raise her sons there.

Joan was preceded in death by her cherished husband of 59 years, A. Lester Ennis; her parents; her brothers, Monte and Gilbert Barrow; and her sister, Elsie Barrow.

She is survived by her sons, Stephen M. Ennis (Gail) of Gulf Breeze and Jonathan L. Ennis (Lisa) of Molino; her grandchildren, Laura Ennis Shockey (Aaron) of Dallas, TX, Caroline E. Ritter (Matt) of Gulf Breeze, FL, Joanna R. Ennis of Starkville, MS, Rachel K. Weldy of Denver, CO, John M. Weldy M.D. (Riley) of Nashville, TN, Carrie Ennis of Mobile, AL, and Mindy Yates (Mike) of Knoxville, TN; and her great-grandchildren, Stephen Shockey, Lorelei Ritter, Blake Weldy, Elliana Yates and Camilla Yates.

After graduating from Pensacola High School, Joan pursued higher education at Florida State University, Mississippi College, and earned her master's from the University of Southern Mississippi. She dedicated her career to lifelong education that began in 1957 teaching sixth grade, before stepping in as interim principal at O.J. Semmes Elementary School during the 1968 teachers' strike. She later served as full-time principal there, as well as at Pensacola Beach Elementary, Montclair Elementary, and R.C. Lipscomb Elementary, retiring in 1996 after 39 years of faithful service. Joan was deeply respected and loved by her students, teachers and staff—many of whom became lifelong friends— as she led with grace and compassion.

A faithful member of First Baptist Church of Pensacola for over 50 years, Joan lived out her Christian faith through joyful service. She played the violin in the Pensacola Symphony Orchestra, formed deep friendships while serving at East Brent Baptist and First Baptist Churches, and poured her heart into her children and grandchildren—never missing a school event, fishing tournament, or ball game. She lovingly served as guardian and cared for her disabled sister Elsie for over 50 years. Joan loved joining Lester, her sons, and grandchildren on their many outdoor excursions fishing, camping, gathering oysters and creating cherished memories.

Though Joan accomplished much in her life, her greatest legacy was her Christ-like spirit of service. Those who knew her never witnessed a selfish act; in her quiet humility and boundless generosity, we all saw the love of Jesus reflected in Joan.

Serving as pallbearers will be Ronnie Faggioni, Max Williams, Billy Waters, Matt Ritter, Aaron Shockey, Jimmy Taylor, Warren Minshull, Eric Manthei, Mark Kennedy and Dave Lear.

A celebration of Joan's life will begin with visitation at 9:30 a.m. on Friday January 30, 2026, followed by the memorial service at 11:00 a.m. at First Baptist Church, Pleitz Chapel, in Pensacola, Florida.

In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to First Baptist Church, 500 N. Palafox St., Pensacola, FL 32501.

The Ennis family extends special gratitude to Joan's devoted caregivers in her final days: Marina Moz, Mary Trafaga, Christina Deras and Patricia Young.

Well done, good and faithful servant! (Matthew 25:21)