Elizabeth Jeanette Schley Joiner, Elizabeth ‘Liz’ Joiner, went to be with the Lord on Wednesday, September 3, 2025. She was born on July 30, 1948, in Seguin, Texas, to Karl F.W. Schley and Hilda E. Wehe Schley.
Liz graduated from Nazareth Academy in May 1966 and was the first in the family to do so. In the summer of 1964, she met the love of her life, Claynell Leon Joiner Jr, in Victoria, Texas. They were married on August 5, 1966, shortly after she graduated from high school and turned 18. When Leon enlisted in the Army on August 29, 1966, Liz went to stay with his family in Hondo, Texas, working as a waitress at Hermann Sons Steak House. She taught herself to drive, spent time with family in San Antonio, and wrote to Leon daily while he was deployed in Vietnam. Liz and Leon moved to Fayetteville, North Carolina, where they built their first house. During the next decade, Liz traveled with Leon back and forth to Germany. While stationed in Germany, Liz worked as a waitress, cleaned barracks, cut hair, and raised three girls. They traveled all over Europe during Leon’s downtime. In 1984, Liz was diagnosed with breast cancer while in Germany. She fought hard and won her first battle against cancer. Shortly after, they were transferred to El Paso, Texas. Liz began working for Walmart in El Paso, starting as a cashier and quickly becoming a customer service manager. Liz and Leon continued to travel as often as possible.
In 1987, after retiring from the Army, they were blessed with their son and moved back to Victoria shortly after. Liz continued to work at Walmart in Victoria, working nights as a Customer Service Manager. She worked there for 29 years before retiring due to health issues. In 1990, she was diagnosed with breast cancer and given 6 months to live. She proved the doctors wrong and overcame her second battle with cancer and returned to work. On weekends, Liz and Leon would work on their farm, raising cows, and enjoying nature. Vacations went from traveling to camping at the farm. Occasionally, they would take the family on road trips, once to Florida for Disney World and another to California for Disneyland. Liz loved amusement parks and riding roller coasters. She took on new roles over the years, first as a grandma or Nama, and later as Great Nama. In 2013, Liz started to have heart problems. Her doctors determined her heart damage was caused by the chemo and radiation. She battled fiercely, surprising her doctors once more. By then, Liz had appeared in many medical journals for her unique cancer case and her aortic rupture. Her heart doctor called her a walking miracle.
After losing Leon in 2015, Liz spent as much time as possible with her family, making memories. She enjoyed spending time with her children, grandchildren, and great-grandchildren. Liz was a loving wife, mother, grandmother, and great-grandmother. She loved spending time with family, but missed her husband dearly. We will always cherish our memories with her and love her endlessly. While she will be greatly missed, we know she is with the Love of her life once again.
Liz is survived by her three daughters, Lisha Joiner of New Mexico, Lesli Sturm of Cuero, TX, Leela (Michael) Hallett of Victoria, TX, her son, Christopher (Amanda) Joiner of Victoria, TX, six granddaughters, one grandson, six great-grandchildren, her sister, Hilda Parsons, and her brother, Bobby (Bonnie) Schley.
She was preceded in death by her husband, Leon Joiner; her parents; and siblings, including Karl Hugh, Gene, Herman, Ervin, Victor, Rusty, Clara, Vernell, Evelyn; and one granddaughter, Katie Shafer.
A Celebration of Life will be held at 2:00 pm, Sunday, October 19, 2025, at Rosewood Funeral Chapel with a reception to follow.
