Ruby V. Joyner

Ruby Virginia Owen Joyner passed away on March 25, 2016 at her home. She was 96 years old. The widow of Daniel Ellis Joyner, married for 52 years, she was also predeceased by her parents Jesse Carlton and Annie Owen, and three brothers, Jesse Douglas "J.D." Owen, Raymond "Wonnie" Owen and Carrol E. "Goober" Owen. She is survived by her only child, Dr. June Carole Joyner, her brothers, Walter "Unke" Owen, Harold "Nutt" Owen, and three sisters, Catherine Cook, Martha Walters, and Jean Gingery, numerous nieces and nephews. Also she leaves a friend of over 60 years, Lorene Anthony and a new friend Maggie Jackson, both who loved her dearly. Ruby, the second of nine children, was raised during the depression and assumed family responsibility at a young age. She always was concerned about their welfare and wellbeing, even in her final years. Before eating, she often asked "do the children have any?" She was multi-talented working as a certified airplane mechanic at Chicago Southern Air Field during WWII. When her daughter was born (the light of her life), attention turned to activities at Campus School. She became room mother, PTA member, chauffeur to music/ballet lessons/field trips and seamstress for those special occasions. Mother was the classic Southern Lady, though strong willed and stubborn, she was kind, generous, and taught me to "always do the right thing." Her hair was combed and lipstick applied even to work in the yard. That was her favorite and happiest place – her yard, tending to her over 100 azaleas, ferns, iris, day lilies, and roses. It was her heaven. If I could not reach her, I knew a project was underway, often a new flowerbed or new path.Ruby was a lifelong member of the former Prescott Memorial Baptist Church, teaching children's Sunday school and Training Union. Though unable to attend church in her later years, she still enjoyed the Sunday TV services and music. I wish to thank all her loving and dedicated caregivers who became members of the family, in particular, Jolinda Buchanan, Carrie McCall, Lennie Howard and Doris Cooper. Their superb care permitted mother to remain in her home of over 70 years and live a life of dignity and happiness, The family will gather Tuesday, March 29 from noon until service begins at two o'clock that afternoon, all at Memphis Funeral Home located at 5599 Poplar Ave, Memphis, TN 38119. Contributions in her honor may be given to St. Jude Children's Research Hospital, LeBonheur, Salvation Army or the Memphis Union Mission. Online condolences and funeral gifts may be given through www.memphisfuneralhome.net.