Deacon Alton Joyner

The season of life for Deacon Alton Joyner began on April 3, 1938, in Baxley, Georgia. He was the son of the late Cleve and Lillie Joyner. As he sprouted and grew he attended the public schools of Worth County.

He was nurtured in the word of God. He began his journey with the Lord at St. Paul Missionary Baptist Church of Albany, Georgia under the leadership of the late Rev. A.W Woodson. He served faithfully as the Superintendent of the Sunday School for over 50 years, Deacon, Assistant Chairman of the Deacon board, Financial Secretary, President of the Senior Choir, Director of Vacation Bible School and wherever he was needed.

Deacon Joyner was strong in faith, in character and wisdom. He was a vessel whose faith in God never wavered and who loved his church dearly.

On August 12, 1969, believing that marriage was ordained by God, he was united in holy matrimony to the love of his life, Annie Maude Hill a union that endured for 53 years. Through this union, he became a loving and devoted father of one lovely caring daughter and six wonderful sons. Deacon Joyner’s commitment to his family was the cornerstone of his life. He believed strongly that a man should work to provide for his family. He was a good provider. He started work at an early age on the farm. He was employed at Turner Air Field Base, Bo Jackson Service Station, Aero Commander, and Firestone. He later retired from Ayres Aircraft. After retirement he enjoyed being around his family, working in his garden, reading his bible and Sunday School lessons.

Deacon Joyner was a devoted husband, loving father, grandfather, and great grandfather, unfailing brother, caring uncle and loyal friend. He had a big heart and a kind and generous spirit. His kindness to all people, his commitment to his church, and his devotion and love for family and friends are lasting tributes to the beauty of his heart and soul. His presence will deeply be missed by all who had the privilege to have known him.

On Sunday, July 9, 2023, at his home God saw fit to bring Deacon Joyner’s earthly journey to a close and transitioned him to eternal rest. In addition to his parents, he was preceded in death by his sister Maude Dykes and his brothers Shepard Clark, Willie Lee Clark and Johnny Joyner.

Loving memories will forever be cherished by his beloved wife, Annie Maude Joyner, his loving daughter Rozitta Joyner of Albany, Georgia, six sons, Lawrence Jimmerson of Camilla, Georgia, Keith F. Joyner of Albany, Georgia, Alton M. Joyner (Sheri) of Brandywine, Maryland, Dexter A. Joyner (Vernetta) of Magnolia, Delaware, Minister Corey L. Joyner (Shakira) of Leesburg, Georgia, Uyl Joyner (V’Ashley) of Albany, Georgia, one sister Lillie King (Rev. James King) of Albany, Georgia, one brother Carroll Joyner (Argentina) of Detroit, Michigan, twenty grandchildren Kavisha, Santana, Jessika, Jaylen, Kendall, Darius, Dominique, Gabrielle, Jordan, Ja’Noah, Major, Micah, Keyandrea, Keybraisha (Unesies), Keymayah, Marcus (Naquindria), Lawerence Jr, Charisma, Kobey and Lawrence, fifteen great grands Khalil,

Saniyah, Celeste, Kennedi, Ava, Gage, Blaze, Ortavious, Brycen, Josiah, Jariyah, Jaroski, Jahari, Gabrielle and Sebastian, two sisters-in-law, Mattie P. Williams of Jacksonville, Florida and Mary Hill, Albany, Georgia, two brothers-in-law Jack Hill (Helen) of Albany, Georgia and Walter Hill (Victoria) of Leary, Georgia, a myriad of nieces, nephews, church family and friends.