Melva Joiner

Born on 5/11/1947 in McCormick County, South Carolina. Melva was the daughter of the late James Melvin Strom Sr and Bernice White Strom. Melva graduated from McCormick High School and Lander College in Greenwood, SC with an ADN degree in Nursing. She retired after actively working as a registered nurse for 50 years. Melva last worked as a catastrophic case manager. Her passions were helping others and traveling.

Melva is survived by her husband, David Eugene Joiner; three sisters, Martha Strom Huey, Sudie Strom Stansell and Lucy Strom Ruple; her son, Russell Whatley (Michelle) and grandchildren Colin Whatley, Lauren Whatley, Landis Whatley and Murray Flowers; cousins, Jennifer Savitz (Steve), Merrill Wilkie (Rosemary), Nora Wolfe (Lyn), Jan Parnell; nieces and several nephews. Melva had many loving friendships including a cherished life long friend in Linda Thomas.

Melva is preceded in death by her parents, James Melvin Strom Sr. and Bernice White Strom; sons James "Jay" Wilber Whatley III, Samuel Corey Whatley; and brother James Melvin Strom Jr. and his family, Robin (wife), Brittney and Bradley.

In lieu of flowers, memorials may be sent to Camp Brittney Ministries, 305 Johnston Road, Ninety-Six, SC 29666. Camp Brittney is a Christian camp in Costa Rica that was established in her niece Brittney's memory after her death.

A visitation will be held in Jacksonville from 11am to 1pm, Tuesday, January 16, 2024 at Hardage-Giddens Funeral Home, 11801 San Jose Blvd., Jacksonville, FL 32223.