JOAN BROCK AUSLEY

Joan Brock Ausley, 83, of Panama City, FL, passed away on July 7, 2026. Joan was born to Leavy and Bernice Brock on September 27, 1942, in Lake Wales, FL. She attended Bay High School and later earned her bachelor’s degree from Troy University and her master’s degree from Florida State University.

She met the love of her life, Jerry Wayne Ausley, while in college, and they later married and spent more than 60 years together. Most of their time together was spent in Bonifay, FL, where Joan was an active member of the First United Methodist Church and the Bonifay Woman’s Club.

Joan loved a good project and was always undertaking new tasks. She loved scrapbooking, refinishing furniture, decorating, and planning fun events for her grandchildren. She also enjoyed playing golf with her husband after they both retired, and you could often find them on the course at Dogwood Lakes Country Club.

Her grandson, Riley Rowell, quoted Proverbs 21:21, “Whoever pursues righteousness and love finds life, prosperity, and honor.” Riley continued, “She pursued righteousness through the church and love through my grandfather,” he said, “She prospered and lived a happy life. She will now be honored by her family.”

Joan was an educator for 30 years. She taught business classes at Headland High School in Headland, AL, and Vernon High School in Vernon, FL, then became a media specialist at Vernon High School, and later at Holmes County High School in Bonifay, FL.

Throughout her life, Joan was known as a kind and generous person who always helped those in need. She worked through the church and other volunteer efforts to try and reach as many people as possible in her community.

The thing Joan loved the most was her family.  She loved nothing more in the world than spending time with her two beautiful grandchildren, her daughters, and her husband. She loved hosting family gatherings and made every holiday magical.

Joan is survived by her two daughters, Amy Ausley and Paige Rowell; her two grandchildren, Caitlin McNeilage and Riley Rowell; her brothers, Pat Brock and his wife, Martha, and Greg Brock and his wife, Jan; her sister-in-law, Lorrie Brock; and numerous beloved nieces and nephews.

She is preceded in death by her husband, Jerry Ausley; her parents, Leavy Brock and Bernice Brock Harless; and her brother, Jerry (Bob) Brock.

Visitation will take place at First United Methodist Church in Bonifay, FL, on July 13, 2026, at 10:00 a.m., followed by the funeral service at 11:00 a.m. Interment will follow in the Bonifay Cemetery.

Those who wish may donate to First United Methodist Church of Bonifay, 202 North Oklahoma Street, Bonifay, Florida 32425.

Peel Funeral Home in Bonifay, FL, is overseeing the arrangements.