Deaconess Helena S. Joyner

Deaconess Helena S. Joyner, 83, answered her call to her Lord and Savior Jesus Christ on June 3, 2021 at her residence. She was born to the late Rev. John Archie and Hattie Wilkins Savage on June 12, 1937. Besides her parents, she was preceded in death by her beloved husband, Reuben Joyner, Sr., son Clifton Joyner, her brothers, Johnnie Savage, Harry Savage; sisters, Naomi Savage, Annie L. Savage Reid and Mary Savage Gibson. She attended East Suffolk High School, Deaconess Helena Joyner was one of the founders of New Calvary Baptist Church where she served faithfully. Her church affiliations included member of the Sunday School Class, Senior Choir, Deaconess Ministry, Women's Day committees and other activities of the church. Outside her church affiliation she was a gospel singer. She sang with the Gospel Goldenettes, The Royal Goldenettes, Suffolk Park and Recreation Choir and many years with the New Gospel Singers. She retired from Planters Nut and Chocolate Company after 26 years of service in 1997. She was a recipient of many awards over the years from organizations. She was a inspiration to the community, church and would help anyone in need., and most of all she loved spending time with her family for family gatherings. She leaves to cherish her memories, her children: Sylvester Jake Joyner (Tonya) Carson CA. Reuben Joyner Jr. (Barbara) Suffolk, Pastor Milton Joyner (Belinda) Compton CA., Pastor Bernard Joyner (Debbie) Chesapeake VA. and Douglas Pope of Upper Marlboro, MD; daughters, Loretta J. Wilson, Barbara Ann Richardson, Hattie M. Joyner, Connice Joyner, Deniee Joyner Mitchell (Jimmie) all of Suffolk and Apostle Laverne J. Shaw (Richard) Jacksonville, FL; 14 grandchildren; 16 great-grandchildren; 2 great-great grandchildren; special niece Carolyn Rice (Ray) of Lexington Park, MD, God daughter, Janet Wiggins and devoted friend Carrie Haynes; and a host of nieces, nephews and other family. Our journey may have many paths some long and some that conclude in just a single step. However, it is inevitable that no matter how wonderful or sorrowful the journey through life may be, it will eventually come to an end and we too must transition onward. A celebration of life will be held 1:00 p.m. Saturday, June 12, 2021 at Metropolitan Baptist Church, 125 County Street, Suffolk, Virginia 23434. Pastor Roger N. Greene will officiate and her son, Superintendent Milton Joyner will deliver the message of comfort. She will be laid to rest in Pleasant Hill Cemetery. Professional services with dignity have been entrusted to Crocker Funeral Home, Inc. To order memorial trees or send flowers to the family in memory of Deaconess Helena S. Joyner, please visit our flower store.