Julian T. Joyner

Published 2:04 pm Friday, April 11, 2025

AHOSKIE, NC – Julian Thomas Joyner, a beloved father, grandfather, and friend, passed away peacefully on April 10, 2025, at the Windsor Rehabilitation and Healthcare Center in Bertie County, North Carolina, at the age of 92. Born on June 15, 1932, in Hertford County, North Carolina, Julian lived a full and vibrant life enriched by his diverse careers and cherished hobbies.

A proud graduate of Ahoskie High School in 1950, Julian went on to dedicate his working years to several noble professions. He began his career as a shipyard welder and later served his local community with the Town of Ahoskie. Julian also showcased his skills as a truck driver for the North Carolina Department of Transportation and spent time working as a brick mason, contributing to the development of his hometown.

Julian’s life was filled with passions beyond his work. He enjoyed tinkering as a mechanic, weightlifting, camping, and watching wrestling matches. A devoted football fan, he cheered tirelessly for the Dallas Cowboys and the UNC Tarheels. His greatest joys were attending his grandchildren’s baseball games and spending time with his family, often taking trips to the mountains or exploring new sights while driving his beloved Blonnie around. Julian had a great sense of humor, always ready with a joke, and brought joy to many with his singing and yodeling. In this time of sorrow, Julian Thomas Joyner’s family finds solace in the fond memories and enduring impact of his life, celebrating a man who lived with passion, kindness, and humor.

He was preceded in death by his parents, Ruth and Willie Joyner, his cherished wife Blonnie Terry Joyner, daughter Susan Harmon, sons Ronald and Steve Joyner, grandson Christopher Joyner, great-grandson Levi Lee, and daughter-in-law Wendy Joyner, and brothers, Billy, Eugene, and Roy Joyner.

Julian leaves behind a legacy of love and laughter. He is survived by his loving children: Peggy Walston and husband Perry of Ahoskie, Tammy Evans and husband Mike of Murfreesboro, Mike Joyner of Aulander, and David A. Joyner and wife Josie of Colerain; son-in-law Linwood Harmon of Aulander. Julian was blessed with five granddaughters: Tonya Thompson and husband Neal of Aulander, Melissa Wommack and husband Kenny of Ahoskie, Ashley Walston Poole and husband Sean of Wake Forest, Brittany Walston and fiancé Sebastian Lee of Sunbury, and Elizabeth Joyner of Colerain; and six grandsons: Perry Walston, III of Ahoskie, Michael Joyner, II of Aulander, Matthew Joyner of Rocky Mount, David T. Joyner of Colerain, Chase Evans of Ahoskie, and Robert Whitehead and wife April of Oklahoma. He also leaves behind cherished great-grandchildren Charlie Thompson and wife Autumn, Landon Thompson, Nathan Wommack, Gabriel Wommack, Charlotte Poole, Savannah Poole, Sebastian Lee, Jr., Jude Lee, R.J. Whitehead, and Sammy Whitehead; brothers, James “Jimmy” Joyner of Hampton, VA, and Hunter Joyner of Ahoskie; sister, Eloise Belch of Ahoskie, along with many nieces, nephews, extended family, and friends.

The family will receive friends on Sunday, April 13, 2025, from 6:00 p.m. until 7:30 p.m. at Garrett-Sykes Funeral Service in Ahoskie. A celebration of Julian’s life will be held on Monday, April 14, 2025, at 11:00 a.m. at Mercy Church in Ahoskie, NC, officiated by Rev. Ray Faircloth Sr. and Rev. Ray Faircloth Jr. Burial will follow at Job Cemetery in Aulander, NC. The pallbearers will be Julian’s cherished great-grandsons: Charlie Thompson, Landon Thompson, David T. Joyner, Michael Joyner, II, Robert Whitehead, Perry Walston, III, Chase Evans, and Matthew Joyner.

Online condolences can be made at www.garrettsykesfs.com. Funeral arrangements were trusted to Garrett-Sykes Funeral Service, Ahoskie, NC 27910, (252) 332-3122.