Sylvester Jake Joyner

Sylvester Jake Joyner, 72, affectionately known as "Jake" of Carson, California, formerly of Suffolk, Virginia, peacefully transitioned on Saturday, June 20, 2026 at his residence. He was born on October 29, 1953 to the late Helena Savage Joyner and Reuben Joyner, Sr. (Raymond Wright). Jake lived a life full of grace, compassion, and devotion to those he loved. He had a heart of gold.

Jake attended John F. Kennedy High School, in Suffolk, VA and later received his GED. He was a very successful entrepreneur, owning and operating Elite Collison Center in Carson, California for over 25 years and previously owned a seafood market. 

Jake was a devoted Christian who loved the Lord. He joined Pacific Mount Olive Church of God in Christ, in Los Angeles, CA under the leadership of his brother, Pastor, Superintendent Milton Joyner. Jake would always say to his family, "I have tried a lot of things in my life that were not good for me, I need to try God." The renewing of his faith became the principle of believing and fulfilling the life of a godly man he exuded. He exemplified Christian values by supporting many charities in the city of Los Angeles and families in need.

Jake was preceded in death by his parents; his brothers, Clifton Joyner, Percy Arrington, Sylvester Arrington, and Herbert Jones; and his favorite uncle and aunts, Harry Savage, Ida Savage and Annie Savage Reid, who were all like second parents to him. 

Jake leaves to cherish his memory his wife, LaTanya Abbott-Joyner; children, Ja'Corey Sims, Shaina Sims, and Tevin Cox; siblings, Loretta J. Wilson, Barbara Richardson, Reuben Joyner, Jr. (Barbara), Laverne J. Shaw (Richard), Connice Joyner, Milton Joyner (Belinda), Bernard Joyner (Debbie), Hattie Mae Joyner, Deniee J. Mitchell (James), Donna Arrington, Beth Arrington, Faye Arrington, Barbara Graves Baker, Lester Arrington (Theresa), Wesley Arrington (Bettina), Victor Arrington (Terrie), Carter Arrington (Sandra), Ronald Arrington and Jerry Baker; aunts, Evelyn Norman, Virginia Williams, and Ella Collins; uncles, Gary Phillips, Wallace Wright, and Henry Phillips; his sister/cousin Carolyn Savage Rice (Ray) of San Deigo, California; a special niece, Donna Lee Kingston (Sean) of Las Vegas, NV; and a host of other relatives, nieces, nephews, cousins, and friends. 

A public viewing will be held 3-6pm, Thursday, July 16, 2026 at Crocker Funeral Home. A celebration of life will be held 12pm, Friday, July 17, 2026 at New Mt. Joy Food for Living Ministries. Mr. Joyner will be laid to rest at Pleasant Hill Cemetery. The family has entrusted Crocker Funeral Home, Inc. with services rendered with dignity, compassion, and care.