Mary A. Diokno

July 7, 1943 – December 6, 2020

Mary Antoinette (Sims) Diokno — a caring wife, mother, grandmother, sister, and friend — passed away Dec. 6, 2020, at age 77 after a courageous battle with cancer. Mrs. Diokno was surrounded by her family, who will continue to honor her legacy by living a life of dignity and love.

Mrs. Diokno was born to Thomas and Florida McGinnis Sims on July 7, 1943, in Pensacola, Florida. It was in the City of Five Flags that she met an ambitious young sailor, who became her husband in 1971 and with whom she raised two sons. Mrs. Diokno’s life as a proud Navy wife took her far from her hometown: to Norfolk, Virginia; the U.S. Territory of Guam; Oahu, Hawaii; and Jacksonville, Florida, where she set down her roots.

Mrs. Diokno took great joy in the simple pleasures in life. She often could be found tending her garden, face nested above flowers and plants that attracted her favorite hummingbirds and butterflies. It supplied numerous ingredients used for meals that comforted family on many occasions. She was a gifted cook, adapting her skills to learn traditional Filipino cuisine. A devout member of the Roman Catholic Church, her kind and caring personality radiated to everyone she met.

Mrs. Diokno is survived by her children: Bayani Diokno Jr. and Phillippe Diokno, both of Jacksonville. She is also survived by two grandchildren: Isabelle Diokno and Bayani “Bobby” Diokno III. Mrs. Diokno was preceded in death by her husband, Bayani E. Diokno, her beloved sister, Ella Louise Sims, and four other siblings: Thomas, Joe, Ben and Dorothy.

The family will receive friends to celebrate Mrs. Diokno's life by gathering for a visitation on Tuesday, Dec. 15, from 5 p.m. to 7 p.m. at Hardage-Giddens Riverside Memorial Park and Funeral Home. Funeral Mass will be held Wednesday, Dec. 16, at Most Holy Redeemer Catholic Church, 8528 Normandy Blvd., from 10 a.m. to 11 a.m. Burial will follow at Jacksonville National Cemetery. HARDAGE-GIDDENS RIVERSIDE MEMORIAL PARK AND FUNERAL HOME, 7242 Normandy Boulevard, Jacksonville, Florida 32205 is serving the family.