Joanne "Jody" Longhurst Barnes, 88, went to be with her heavenly father on March 8, 2021.

Jody was born May 8, 1932 in Birmingham, AL to Austin and Mary Dock Longhurst.  Her father passed away when she was 8 years old and her mother and sister, Margaret Camille moved to St. Petersburg, FL to be near her loving grandparents, Margaret Camille and George Banks, "Mom and Pop". Mom was a wonderful cook and Pop was the first Chief of Police of St. Pete Beach.  Jody loved growing up at the beach and adored her family and life there.

Jody moved to Panama City in 1955 and raised her family here. She was an incredibly devoted mother and grandmother.

She enjoyed a career with the Panama City Fire Department for over 20 years. A job she excelled at and loved.

She was a brilliant card player, especially at bridge.

Jody touched so many lives and never met a stranger. If you knew her, you loved her.

It is fitting that Jody went to heaven on March 8, International Women's Day, a day to celebrate women. She taught strength by being a shining example of it. Always smiling with a sparkle in her eye and a positive outlook on life. She truly lived by "Life is too short to be unhappy, Choose Happiness!"

Jody is survived by Brenda Nunnery (Phillip) of Grayton Beach, FL, Robert Barnes of Vernon, FL, Jill Miley (Bob Sr.) of Panama City Beach, FL and Chuck Barnes (Nicole) of Pensacola, FL.  Jody had 8 grandchildren whom she adored, Nicholas Butchikas, Alison Anne Butchikas, Camille Butchikas, Anderson Barnes, Mollie Barnes Morphis (Chris), Bob Miley Jr. (Meagan), Morgan Miley Gray (Johnny), John Paul Hughes and two nephews, Jack Reich and Jim Reich.

Per Jody's wishes memorialization will be by cremation and the family will spread her ashes in St. Pete Beach where she grew up near John's Pass Bridge.

The family would like to thank Georgia and all the staff of Charter Senior Living for being so sweet and taking great care of our Mother. We are especially grateful to Anna with Emerald Coast Hospice.

Those desiring may make memorial donations to "Camille's Art for Autism" in memory of Joanne Barnes, at 257 Pine Street, Santa Rosa Beach, FL 32459

Galatians 5:22-23  But the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness, self-control; against such there is no law.