John Edward Joyner

June 7, 1931 - October 17, 2021

“God Bless You”

John Edward Joyner was born in Nashville, Tennessee on June 7, 1931, to Dennis Louis Joyner, Sr. and Lenora Totty Joyner. He was the fourth and youngest child, after Dennis Jr., Mildred, and Lemuel. John was baptized into the Catholic faith on May 8, 1953, at St. Vincent de Paul Church in Nashville. He was a devoted Christian, and a parishioner of St. Anthony of Padua Catholic Church in Washington, D.C. for over fifty years.

John was educated in Nashville, graduating from Pearl High School in 1949. During his high school years, he was an avid boxer. He matriculated to Tennessee Agriculture and Industrial State University (Tennessee A&I, currently known as Tennessee State University), where he earned his Bachelor of Science Degree in Engineering on August 9, 1953.

Soon after graduating from college, John began his military service as a “medical aidman” during the Korean War. He served honorably until June 1, 1955, earning the following decorations and commendations: The National Defense Service Medal, The Korean Service Medal, The United Nations Korea Medal, and The Good Conduct Medal. Later, he was also honorably discharged from the U.S. Army Reserve on August 31, 1961.

Following his army discharge and return from Korea in June 1955, John met and befriended Jeanette McKinney, then a graduating senior at Tennessee A&I. Their friendship developed into a romance that culminated in marriage on June 10, 1956. The couple was blessed with two devoted children, Dr. John Edward Joyner, Jr. and Jeffrey Edwin Joyner, Esq.

John’s strong work ethic was developed early in life. Its foundation was laid in the Christian home in which his parents, for whom he had the greatest love and respect, reared him and his siblings. John modelled this strength and determination for his family, who will always remember his love, generosity, humor, and making them his first “life priority,” while also expecting the best from himself and from them. John started his career at the U.S. Department of the Navy, Bureau of Yards and Docks, Architectural Specifications Section, Great Lakes Naval Base in North Chicago, Illinois. In this position he was responsible for the logistical aspects of design, construction, and management of naval facilities. He later accepted a position in Washington D.C., where he worked for the General Services Administration (GSA). At this independent agency of the U.S. government, he not only lent a hand in designing structures that are still a part of today’s Washington, D.C. landscape, but also conceived innovative uses for government spaces. In addition, he drafted regulations that guide architects and procurement managers to this day. He excelled at GSA, receiving countless commendations and outstanding performance ratings. His professional affiliations included the following: the American Society for Public Administration (ASPA), the National Contract Management Association (NCMA), and the American Association for Budget Analysis (AABA). John’s civic and social organizations included: the Knights of Columbus, Council 4944, and the American Association of Retired Persons (AARP). He retired from GSA in 1995 after 42 years of Federal government service.

John was a family man, an educator, a proud father, and an inspirational grandfather. He and his wife, Jeanette, believed in the value of a quality education, making countless sacrifices to ensure that their children had the best education available. They valued hard work and saving for the future. Their imparted wisdom, gentle guidance, and modeling of compassion profoundly influenced and inspired their children and grandchildren. By just being themselves, John and Jeanette cultivated a legacy of selflessness, academic achievement, and personal excellence.

John died on Sunday, October 17, 2021 after a long illness.

John was preceded in death by his father and mother, Dennis Louis Joyner, Sr. and Lenora Totty Joyner; his brother, Dennis Louis Joyner, Jr.; his sister, Mildred (Joyner) Wright; and his faithful dog, Whiskers. His memories will always be cherished by his family – his devoted and faithful wife of 65 years, Jeanette McKinney Joyner; his doting children, Dr. John Edward Joyner, Jr. and Jeffrey Edwin Joyner, Esq.; his caring daughter-in-law, Angela Venerable Joyner; brother and sister-in-law, Lemuel and Barbara Joyner; grandchildren, Carin Elizabeth Maria and John Edward Grant Joyner; and close family friend, Daniel P. Donahue. In addition, John is survived by countless relatives, including many nephews and nieces, great nephews and nieces, and a host of loving friends, neighbors, and colleagues.