Laura Jane Joyner (nee Foster), age 56, of Oceanside, California passed away Thursday, February 11, 2021 at her residence, surrounded in love by her family. Laura bravely fought Breast Cancer for seven years. First diagnosed Stage 1 in 2013 she aggressively attacked it and was counted as clear and a survivor for the next 5 years. A chance illness in 2018 led to the discovery that it had returned with a vengeance and metastasized (Stage 4). Again, she bravely fought this terrible disease with everything she had. She researched studies from around the world & challenged doctors and their cookie cutter approach much to their dismay. At first they tried to dismiss her, then ultimately respecting her, her knowledge, turning into active partners. She freely shared her knowledge, counsel and comfort with thousands of others, around the world, struggling with Breast Cancer through online Support groups. On top of all this Laura lived with a severe manifestation of Lupus, among a number of other autoimmune disorders. A devastating battle all on its own that she tackled in the same inspiring manner.
Laura was born on April 8, 1964 in Independence, Missouri the daughter of Bernice Lucille Foster and the late Benjamin Patton Foster. Growing up in Manassas, VA she enjoyed arts, crafts, children’s choir at Emmanuel Baptist Church and playing flute in the school band. She married her beloved husband William “Nick” Joyner in Manassas, VA in 1984, relocating to San Diego shortly thereafter, and then Oceanside in 1987 to raise her family. She is survived by her husband Nick, son David of Oceanside, daughter Summer & son-in-law Brad Besser of Venice Beach, CA, daughter Torrey of Venice Beach, daughter Cheyenne of Oceanside, as well as her fur babies Kensie & Charlie. She is also survived by her sister Susan & brother-in-law Jim Lanteigne, niece Lindsey Whitman, grandniece Calista, Mother Bernice Foster all of Ft Lauderdale, FL, as well as many relations in Mississippi.
Family meant everything to Laura. She cherished and fearlessly protected them. Evenings and weekends were filled with dance lessons, recitals, gymnastics and baseball games. She loved music and art and passed that love on to her children. She loved all children and they loved her. She even had a day care business for years and was often greeted by these same children as adults when their paths crossed. Motherhood was her life’s mission, though she had many other interests and talents. Laura loved sweets and baking. Her holiday sweets and candies were enjoyed by those near and far. Laura also loved the holidays. Her Christmas decorations were a sight to behold. People would come from many miles around just to view them. Her display was even written up in a local publication highlighting top light displays. She so enjoyed the pleasure that others got out of them and was often thanked by many friends, neighbors and strangers throughout the year. Even when she was so sick she could barely stand, she elicited the help of her family to get the house decorated. She did not want to “let her community down”. That was Laura. Never complaining. Always taking care of other people.
Laura’s working career began as a secretary. Upon the birth of her oldest, she gave up the office to raise her children and home school. She returned to work full time from 2006 until 2020. Her favorite pastimes were “family nights” (a childhood tradition), family vacations, learning new things, live music, dancing, art and spending time with family and friends. She will be remembered for her kind heart, her nurturing spirit and her love of life. Her smile and laughter were irresistible. She touched so many lives with her generosity and warmth. She will be deeply missed by those who were so blessed to know and be loved by her.
Memorial service & Celebration of Life will be held at 1:00pm Monday, April 12, 2021 at Eternal Hills Memorial Park, 1999 El Camino Real, Oceanside, CA.
SHARE OBITUARY
v.1.8.18