James Shelton Joyner

James Shelton Joyner December 7, 1935 – April 24, 2015 James Shelton Joyner, 79, of Wilson passed away Friday. His funeral service will be conducted 11 a.m. Tuesday at Tabernacle Baptist Church, Wilson. Interment will follow in Evergreen Memorial Park, Wilson. The Rev. Joe Shakour will officiate. The family will receive friends 6 – 8 p.m. Monday at the Tabernacle Baptist Church, 1815 Airport Boulevard West, Wilson and other times at the home. James was a beloved husband, father, and grandfather. He was an active member of Tabernacle Baptist Church, former Deacon and Financial Secretary for the church. James was a twenty year Veteran of the U.S. Air Force where he served his country with honor and pride. He was a member of the Maiden Voyage to Europe, on the C-9A Nightingale which was a flying hospital. Upon his military retirement, he returned to Wilson to begin his second career for over 25 years as a licensed Funeral Director at Joyner’s Funeral Home. He was a member of the American Legion and the Sons of Confederate Veterans, where he often portrayed Governor Zebulon Vance at the Confederate Memorial Services. James was a Christian man who lived his life for God; he was loved by all that knew him and will be greatly missed, but remembered with fond memories. James is survived by his wife, Rita C. Joyner of the home; his daughter, Susie A. Dunn of Travelers Rest, South Carolina; his son, James S. Joyner, Jr. of Wilson; four grandchildren, Morgan Joyner, Christian Joyner, Susan Dunn and Rita Dunn; his sister, Nannie Ree Clark of Wilson and his brother, Lotis Joyner of Wilson. He was preceded in death by his parents, John Elbert Joyner and Allie Mae Taylor Joyner; his sister, Agelene J. Poland and his brother, Norris G. Joyner. Flowers are welcome or memorials may be directed to the Durham Rescue Mission, PO Box 11858, Durham, NC 27703. Condolences may be directed to www.joyners.net.