Joan Adkison

Joan Frankie (Dorman) Adkison “Joni” went to be with her Lord on September 24, 2024, with family at her side. Joan lived courageously for many years with pulmonary hypertension. She was born in Tallahassee, Florida, on November 27, 1942. Joni was a Jesus lover, devoted wife and mother, and wonderful teacher. Joni’s love for Jesus was evident to everyone. When Joni entered a room, she brought in the light of Jesus—her smile shined, and her voice exuded joy. She trusted God no matter what she faced. Her Bible was her consistent travel companion. Joni had the heart of a missionary. Although she never traveled to a foreign country, Joni supported several ministries who did mission work. Her mission field was the local area, and she never missed an opportunity to share her love for Jesus with strangers and friends. Joni knew her purpose in life. She sang with children at daycare centers and church, using puppets and her guitar. Her primary focus was to teach them about Jesus’ love. However, she also wrote several songs to teach preschoolers their numbers, colors, and phonics. She developed “Rainbow of Treasures” which was a game and songs to teach children. Parents often grew tired of the songs, but the children never did. Joni was not forgotten by these children as they grew into adults. When they saw her in town, they would greet her and say how much they enjoyed learning from Joni’s songs. She achieved her lifelong goal of singing with the church children until she went to be with Jesus. Joni enjoyed time with family, friends, and her goats and donkeys. She loved being a mother to her children even calling their spouses her “children”. Her favorite day to celebrate was a person’s birthday. She always sent a birthday card or gift; it might be late, but it was not missed. To Joni, Christmas was Jesus’ birthday—nothing more, nothing less. She started a Bible Barnyard where each animal had a name and story from the Bible. She would entertain children at her barnyard, all the while sharing Jesus. Joni’s animals entertained her, and she saw God’s handiwork in each of them. Joni was loved by many and will be missed by the countless lives she touched. Our family wish is that the love and joy Joni showed will fill your heart today and always. Joni is survived by husband Michael Adkison; children William Kemp (Beverly), Jonas Kemp (Theresa), and Lisa Meeks (Finch); grandchildren Kristin Kemp, Kyle Kemp (Stephanie), Katelyn Snow (Nathan), Troy Kemp, McKenzie and Tyler Meeks; her great grandchildren Kaydance Hammett, Nora and Alice Kemp, Ridge Snow; many relatives and friends. Joni was preceded in death by her parents Frank and Juanita Dorman and son Clay Kemp. In lieu of flowers, please send donations to Pulmonary Hypertension Association at phassociation.org (http://phassociation.org/) Her funeral will be held at Seminole Baptist Church on Saturday, October 12 with visitation starting at 10:00 a.m. and service beginning at 11 a.m. Interment will be held at Oakland Cemetery, Tallahassee FL following service.

Joan Adkison

November 27, 1942 - September 24, 2024