I was truly saddened when I read the passing of "little Tommy' (as I remember him).  I first knew Tommy as soon as he completed the 1st grade.  He was at Barium Springs Orphanage in Synod Cottage - the cottage for boys 1st - 3rd grades.  I had just completed 8th grade (13 yrs old) & was sent to Synod Cottage as a "Big Sister" to assist the Housemother in caring for the boys.  Tommy was so small & he stood out because of the eye glasses he had to wear.  I thought it was so sad that he was burdened with that, and happy to see he apparently  'outgrew' them.  He soon came to be one of my favorites.  Over the years, I have thought of Tommy many times.  It was good to see what a handsome, healthy guy he turned into and the obvious love he  had from his family.  I wish I could have seen him again after he grew into that man.  Prayer and thoughts to all his loved ones.

Rest In Peace, dearest brother in law. Thank you for being my friend, and thank you for being there for your brother Benny when he needed it most. I will always remember how much you loved your children, your brothers, your dogs, and of course, college hoops. How many times did we watch the Final Four together, you and your brother whooping it up? I take great comfort in the thought of the two of you together now, hanging out, watching sports together. 

You were such a good man, such a kind soul. You endured adversity most of us can't even imagine, yet you persevered and leave behind a beautiful legacy of a loving family. We will always remember you with great love and fondness.

All our love,

Jen and Mads Joyner

I first met Tom in 1999. Wendy and I had been dating for a few months and she and I took a trip to Bremerton, WA. I was pretty excited because I got to take the ferry. Being from a small town I had not been on a ferry that size.  I remember the house Tom lived in and each dog, Sam and Bernard had their own couch. Tom was kind and so easy to talk to. He told many stories of all the fish he used to catch and talked about the area he lived in. Tom was always a good storyteller. 

I will always remember him as a kind, warm-hearted person who would give the shirt off his back because growing up he didn't have a lot and was always eager to help anybody who needed it. He was a good man and was always there for Wendy and me throughout the years. I'll never forget a few things he used to say to me:

"Unless somebody has put a roof over your head, they have no business telling you what you can do."

"It always feels good to have a little change in your pocket."

Truer words have never been spoken. I'll do my best to keep Tom's memory alive along with his stories so his Grandchildren can share them with their kids. 

Rest in Peace Tom. God speed. 

I remember meeting tom in 1995 when Melissa and I started dating. It was until Melissa was pregnant that he actually said and had serious conversation . Melissa and I went over to.stay the weekend in his Bremerton home I remember we weren't allowed to sleep in the same room. He made us dinner steak with mushrooms and mashed potatoes and he loved his cream cheese in his mashed potatoes he was a good cook although Melissa did not get her cooking skills from him she's not so good of a cook lol. Anyways we stayed the weekend with him because he was taking Melissa and I shopping for our first born Antonio for a crib and changing table and we went to Sears to go shopping and I remember him vaguely telling me to make sure I provided for Melissa and the baby . He never said to much around me most the time when I did see him but he was such a great guy. Wish I could of called him my father n law . But that will still come one day soon. Rest in Paradise Tom.

I remember as a kid living with my mom fulltime and on weekends I would go see dad until middle school I went and lived with him and Wendy my sister. So I remember I had a boyfriend at the time and he wasn't allowed over so I would sneak him into my window well he left his bike on our side of house one time and my sister found out and eventually told my dad which she kept it a secret for alittle bit but my dad found out and went and boarded my windows up in my room so I could no longer sneak anyone in nor go out. I remember dad was so upset with me and.said this will teach you girl!! L oL

Dad I'm so heartbroken and miss you already so much . I know we weren't as close as we could have been but you knew I loved you and I know you thought of me often. Our lives were both moving and I was raising your grandkids and you would of fell in love with your 2 great-grandchildren ta'ejah billings and trea billings they are so loving and adorable. Your grandson Antonio looks just like u did growing up. I so wish you could have spent more time with me but living in different city's made it not easy. Dad I thought of you often and missed you everyday I always asked sis how u were doing. I love you dad and will always have you in my heart. I will make sure your grandkids and great-grandchildren know your memory as well!!


Father, you did not deserve the shit that was thrown you way. Your life had its trauma but one thing your life always had was ME! I fought for you and stood by you until the end. Nobody messes with my padre. I sit here today, a week after you passing, and my heart hurts. I cannot believe you are gone. I enjoyed my time at the home brining you sweet tea, pastries, fried chicken, fish and chips, really anything that made you smile! The last two years were tough and it distanced us but I fought to get back in for visitation. I will never not fight for those I love. You deserved the best and I hope you felt the love I had for you! We bonded when I was young and that bond never faded. Miss you more everyday! Love, your daddy's girl

Melissa, my sister, your dad loved you more than you know. We often talked about you and the kids. He always asked where you were and what you were doing. At times, he often thought you were there with him. He would often say did Melissa go downstairs? You weighed heavy on his mind for the last few months. Dad struggled to show love and affection and he failed miserably at picking women but please know some of this was not his fault. He loved you and was proud of you Melissa. My favorite memory is him disciplining Izzy (aka you LOL) In his mind, he remembered you and show that care and discipline towards to Izzy thinking it was you. You NEVER left his mind my sister. HE LOVED YOU!!!!!

My papa used to always call me Melissa (his youngest daughters name). Especially if I was not behaving. We went on a train ride together in the Fall. The Scenic Pend Orielle River Train ride. Mom tried to push that wheelchair all over the place including over railroad tracks and we almost missed the train. We forgot our blankets. PaPa was freezing but several passengers gave him thier blankets. So kind.  I still have the ticket from our train ride. A few times before COVID we had a chance to go in and give him treats. He loved Hershey Kisses. We got him and his roomate cookies. They loved when we would visit. We would hang up photos on his wall. And I loved him!

My sweet Mr. Joyner, I already miss you so much. You impacted my life tremendously ever day. You reminded me to stop, slow myself down and to not miss opportunities to enjoy the companionship of others.  You will be so missed!  My favorite memories are of us enjoying our Sunday morning doughnuts together.  I'll never see a chocolate doughnut without thinking of you! I miss our conversations and poking fun at Wendy for being a mother hen lol!  Your wit and your spirited retorts would make my day.  Rest in peace my dear friend.  I'll see you again one day. 

We had so many memories together. I will share one of my favorite that stuck with me forever. Our secret place. Baskin Robbins. I remember as a young girl we would sneak away and you made our ice cream shop the big secret. To this day I still love mint chocolate chip ice cream from Baskin Robbins. I loved that we had our time together when we could and that it was our secret getaway. You have no idea how much I miss you, love you, AND WILL NEVER FORGET YOU!!! Love you Padre!

I will miss you so much. My heart breaks that you were in such pain. I’m glad you are in heaven looking over us pain free. 
I remember Wendy and me jumping on the canopy bed in Issaquah to the jungle book record. You were so angry with us because I believe we broke it. 
I love you always . RIP

OBITUARY

Thomas Keith Joyner

25 July, 1944 – 16 September, 2021

Hazen & Jaeger Valley Funeral Home

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