Delilah Ruth Joyner

Delilah Ruth Armstrong Joyner, of Kingsport TN, Served God’s purpose for her life and went to be with Him on Monday May 12, 2025. A woman of steadfast faith and quiet humility, she continuously lived out her life verse: “Search me O God and know my hear: try me and know my thoughts. And see if there be any wicked way in me and lead me in the way everlasting.” Psalm 139: 23-24. She was a true example of Christian faith and showed love to those who met and knew her. She faithfully told of God’s goodness in her life and His faithfulness to her in ALL situations. The most important thing in her life was her family. In her later years, she was known as “Mammaw Joyner” to so many. She loved her family with every part of her being. She had a great capacity to forgive and showed compassion in so many circumstances.

Ruth was born to Bert and Beryl Armstrong of the Pyburn community in Greene County, on February 28, 1924. She worked for TEC in the yarn department until she married her husband, Carl Joyner, in 1946. She continued to serve her community from 1965 – 1987 working for Kingsport City Schools as a secretary at Thomas Jefferson Elementary and Jackson Elementary.

Ruth was a dedicated member of Pleasant View Baptist Church. Her sweet potato casserole was always requested whenever there was a gathering that involved food. She loved to cook and work outside. She was a wonderful friend and thoughtful gift giver. Ruth would always meet you with a smile and hug, no matter when or where you saw her.

Preceding her in death were her parents; sisters: Nellie Armstrong, Delores Doty, and Fawn Marion; brother: Charlie Armstrong; husband: Carl Joyner; son: Freddie Joyner and grandsons: Jeremy Joyner and Benjamin Hubble.

Those left to rejoice at her home going and mourn the loss of her company are her daughter and son-in-law: Teresa and Danny Hubble; granddaughter: Jessica and husband, Mike Dockery; granddaughter-in-law: Jennifer Hubble Brown and husband, Jason Brown; great grandchildren: Asher Hubble, Zeke Alley, Kendyl Alley, Karris Hubble, Kylie Dockery Holley and husband, Bryant, Kaelin Brown, Brentley Dockery, Charlie Dockery, Kampbell Brown, Abram Brown and Amos Brown; great great grandchildren: Madelyn Brown and Baylor Holley; grandson of the heart, Matt Alley, daughter-n-law: Barbara Joyner Duncan (Michael); along with several nieces and nephews.

Other survivors are granddaughter and husband, Wendy and Bryan Wesselman and great granddaughters: Bailey and Brooke Wesselmann.

We would like to express our gratitude and love for Ruth’s friends who were so faithful to visit her and love on her until her death; Sandra Bledsoe (niece) who provided care in her Aunt Ruth's final days. Jan Davis, Cindy Fantin, Keith Ross, Hannah Wheeler, Judi Wood, and Rosie Young. Also thank you to Ballad Hospice for the excellent care she received from them They provided comfort care in Aunt Ruth’s final days.

Funeral arrangements are as follows:

A visitation for Ruth will be held Wednesday, May 14, 2025, at 5:00 PM at East Lawn Funeral Home & Memorial Park, 4997 Memorial Blvd, Kingsport, Tennessee 37664. A funeral service will take place on Wednesday, May 14, 2025, at 7:00 PM. A graveside service will occur Thursday, May 15, 2025, at 11:00 AM.

In lieu of flowers, please make donations to St. Jude’s Children Hospital or Samaritan’s Purse.

“For David, after he had served God’s purpose in his own generation, fell asleep, and was buried…” Acts 13:36