Leevass Joyner

Leevas Joyner, our father, family member and friend departed this life on Thursday, February 15, 2018 after a valiantly fought battle with on-going health issues. Leevass, the son of Elsie Joyner and Clarence Walker, was born July 4, 1926 in Isle of Wight County. He was raised by his Grandmother, Mary Reid. He spoke lovingly of her throughout his life and made it clear he never found a cook her equal. He attended Isle of Wight Training School and as a young man worked at the meat packing plants in Smithfield. After serving in the U. S. Army during World War II, he returned home to marry Mildred "Pudding" Edwards in 1946. Four daughters Glorious, Linda, Jessie (deceased) and Elsie were born in that union. In the mid 50's, Leevass and Mildred moved their family to Brooklyn, New York to live. There he worked for the Ford Motor Company in Mahwah, New Jersey. In 1964, Leevass underwent surgery for a small auto related injury. Unfortunately, the surgery was not a success. It left Leevass totally paralyzed from the waist down for the remainder of his life. We are proud to say that while he lost control of his lower body, he refused to allow his spirit to be broken. Despite a major physical disability, he continued to enjoy a full life. He lived independently in an apartment that he maintained with great pride, developed new friends, tinkered with his cars and drove many miles on trips to Virginia and Georgia. In the early 80's, Leevass grew weary of city life. The theft of his favorite car "Foxy Brown" was the last straw. He returned to Smithfield to the places and people familiar to him. He spoke with great pride of the way family, friends and neighbors rallied around him. He said many times "these people are good to me". He continued to enjoy his life. He put many miles on his cars travelling with his road buddy Steve Baker. He found a life long friend in Doug Charity. Back home, Leevass determined to fully give his life to God. He re-channeled his strength, energy and conviction to working in the Church and sharing his faith with others. He was especially happy to serve at Mt Olive in Central Hill his old hometown, but also enjoyed travelling to North Carolina and New York to worship with other congregations. Even though he could no longer get around on his own, Leevass maintained a church affiliation until his death. Leevass leaves to mourn his passing his daughters Glorious Moore, Linda Smith (Russell) and Elsie Dixon, a sister and brother, Patricia Major and Edward Walker, twelve grandchildren, twenty-four great grands and of a host of cousins, nieces, nephews and loyal friends. We mourn his loss to us, but celebrate his life and his homegoing. We take comfort in knowing he is at rest. A Celebration of Life Service will be held 10:00am Thursday, February 22, 2018 at Emmanuel Baptist Church, Smithfield, Va. Viewing will be held from 4-7pm with a Wake Service from 5-6pm on Wednesday, February 21, 2018 at the Chapel. Interment will be in the Albert G. Horton Jr. Memorial Veterans Cemetery, Suffolk, Va. Professional services entrusted to Shivers Funeral Chapel.

Burial Date February 22, 2018

A Celebration of Life Service will be held 10:00am Thursday, February 22, 2018 at Emmanuel Baptist Church, Smithfield, Va. Viewing will be held from 4-7pmwith a Wake Service from 5-6pm on Wednesday, February 21, 2018 at the Chapel. Interment will be in the Albert G. Horton Jr. Memorial Veterans Cemetery, Suffolk, Va. Professional services entrusted to Shivers Funeral Chapel.