Deborah Ann Joyner

Deborah (Debby) Ann Joyner, 63, passed away on April 30, 2023. Born on February 2, 1960, in Columbia, SC, she was the first-born daughter of Richard Cleo and Celestia Ann Walker Joyner. Debby was a graduate of Columbia Christian High School. After graduating, she enjoyed working as an Administrative Assistant in her parent’s household goods moving and storage companies while attending undergraduate courses at Columbia Bible College and Midlands Technical College.

She loved listening to country music, going to Riverbanks Zoo, traveling, and visiting with family and friends. She was an active member of Trenholm Road United Methodist Church and the Agnes Rogers – Olive Moffatt Circle. Ask anyone who knew Debby before her illness, and they will tell you that she could always be counted on to volunteer for various “behind the scenes” tasks needing attention within the life of the church. While various illnesses overtook her body beginning in 2010, nothing could dampen her heart full of love for everyone, especially the members of her immediate and extended family. She never ended a conversation with her friends and family members before saying how much she loved them and listing the names of others in their household that she also loved. She will always be remembered as a loving and caring daughter, sister, cousin, aunt, and friend who loved the Lord and wanted to serve others despite her illnesses.

Debby was preceded in death by her beloved father. She is survived by her dear mother; her two sisters: Rebecca J. (Becky) Shirley of Columbia and Mary Sue Davis of Richmond, KY; brothers-in-law Richard Shirley of Columbia and Charles (Charley) Davis of Richmond, KY; niece, C. Michelle Shirley Graham of Columbia; nephew-in-law, Joseph Graham of Columbia; nephew, Christopher Davis of Richmond, KY; great nephew, Joey Graham of Columbia and many cousins.

The family would like to express a special word of thanks to the members of Trenholm Road United Methodist Church, especially to Leeanne Strauss who was Debby’s faithful Sunshine Friend for nearly 13 years and to the various pastors who helped Debby to know how much she is loved. Heartfelt appreciation is also expressed to the medical staff at Prisma Health Baptist ICU for their compassionate care of Debby in her final days on this side of heaven. The family is grateful for the caring assistance they have received from Greg Dunbar and the staff at Dunbar Funeral Home during this tender time and they remain grateful to all who have kept Debby in their prayers over the years.

A memorial service celebrating Debby’s life will be held at Trenholm Road United Methodist Church on Friday, May 5, 2023, at 11:00 am. Following the service, the family will receive friends in the church dining room. In lieu of flowers, the family asks that donations be made to Trenholm Road United Methodist Church, 3401 Trenholm Road, Columbia, SC 29204.

Fond memories and expressions of sympathy may be shared below for the Joyner family.