Mrs. Vida Joyner

Mrs. Vida Denise Joyner was born December 1, 1953 in Newport News, Virginia, to Ida Mae and Milton Lunsford Sr. She was the first of 8 children, her siblings: Milton Lunsford Jr., Andre Lunsford, Rosalind Green, Philip Lunsford, Suzette Lunsford, and Keith and Kevin Lunsford. Life wasn't easy growing up in the 50s and 60s, but Vida did the best she could to help and protect her siblings.

In 1973 she was baptized as one of Jehovah's Witnesses after her friend gave her the "Truth That Leads To Everlasting Life" book. After 53 years and until her death, she was still serving Jehovah faithfully to the best of her ability. With strength, dignity, and Jehovah's help, she fought courageously with health issues to give Jehovah her time. Over the years, she was able to serve Jehovah closely with her spiritual family and many more who loved and cared for her deeply, following Jesus' command (John 13:34).

In 1973, she married Gary B. Joyner and in time she had seven children. She continued to be an example of kindness and mildness to all those around her, and will always be remembered for her strength, endurance, long nails, beautiful hair, and even longer patience.

In 1991, she graduated from Thomas Nelson Community College with an Associate's Degree in Medical Assisting.

When it came to serving Jehovah, she loved everything about it: the ministry, going to the meetings, and especially studying the Bible.

Her children recalled many fond memories of waking up and seeing her sitting by the oven, warming herself while reading her Bible. Her favorite song was song 139, "See Yourself When All Is New".

In the paradise earth to come (Luke 23:43), Vida looks forward to not being sick in harmony with Isaiah 33:24, and drinking as much water as she wants. She said to look for her by a stream, drinking to her heart’s content.

Vida wanted to leave a little advice: for everyone to "remember to respect each other and help each other out from time to time. Because we still have hard times ahead. Jehovah hasn't closed the door yet, so we still have a ways to go. Nobody has all the answers--or all the problems--so, be willing to help each other out."

In her last few days, she wanted no one to be devastated about her passing (1 Thessolonians 4:13), but wanted you remember how much she loved and appreciated you.  Vida was preceded in death by her husband of 52 years, Gary Bennett Joyner, her mother, Ida Mae Howell and stepfather James I.C. Howell, father Milton Lunsford Sr., and brother Kevin Lunsford.

Left to cherish loving memories are her children: Michael Lunsford (m. Carlissa), Nicole Joyner, Maurice Joyner (m. Samantha), Teresa Everett (m. Eugene), Stephanie Joyner, Desiree Swindell (m. Ashley), and Corey McEachern, 25 grandchildren, 9 great-grandchildren, her surviving brothers and sisters, and many nieces, nephews, cousins, friends, aunts, and others.

May Jehovah comfort us all in the loss of such a sweet  person.  

It is the desire of the Joyner family that you keep them in your thoughts and prayers.   

The family of Mrs. Vida Joyner has entrusted her final care to C. C. Carter Funeral Home. 

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