Lina Jane Joyner Bracey

Lina Jane Joyner Bracey, 82, peacefully passed away in her home on Monday, March 17, 2025. Born on September 20, 1942, in Edgecombe County, but she made her home in Wilson filling it with love, laughter and a life well lived. A memorial service will be held in her honor at 2 pm Saturday, March 22, 2025, at First Presbyterian Church, 414 Sunset Road NW, Wilson, with Rev. Claire Colcord officiating. The family will receive friends immediately following the service in Clark Hall.

Lina’s passion for learning and education began when she graduated from Ralph L. Fike High School in 1960, followed by a year at East Carolina, and finishing her degrees at Atlantic Christian College earning several Master’s Degrees in Education. Lina was a member and leader in Delta Kappa Gamma Professional Woman of Education and Beta Theta Chapter of North Carolina. Lina started her career as a teacher, inspiring and shaping young minds, and later became a respected principal, leading with compassion and dedication.

It was at ACC where Lina met the love of her life, Duncan Albert Bracey, III. They eloped three months later in Dillion on March 16, 1963. Afraid to tell their parents they were hitched; they spent their first night apart at their parents’ homes. Their honeymoon was spent flip-flopping between their parents’ homes and finishing college. In 1966, they began their family, eventually welcoming three children.

Lina possessed extraordinary organizational and leadership skills along with boundless energy, where she loved to help Pat and the Flower Girls. She utilized these talents in her long career while still being a devoted wife, a loving mother, an active member of her church, community volunteer, friend and mentor to many. She was a faithful servant and leader in the First Presbyterian Church of Wilson where she served in various capacities for many years. She was recognized by the Presbyterian Women with an Honorary Life Membership in 2013. In addition to serving the church, she gave her time to the Soup Kitchen, Meals on Wheels, Reading for the Blind, and volunteered in schools. Lina also helped coordinate her high school class reunion every five years.

Lina was preceded in death by Duncan, her husband of fifty-nine years as well as her parents, Vonnie Webb Joyner Taylor, Curtis R. Joyner, and stepfather Willard, and her sister, Judy Dawson.

She is survived by her three children, Barrington Bracey Farley of Wilmington, Blythe Bracey White (Carter) of Washington and Duncan Albert Bracey IV (Rhonda) of Wilson. Known as “Omi” to her grandchildren, Miller and Webb Farley, Dare McNamara Ernst (Philip), McLean McNamara (Samantha), Emma McNamara, Duncan V and Margaret Bracey. She is also survived by two great-granddaughters, Willow McNamara and Emery Ernst, and by many nieces, nephews, and cousins.

Often called “Iron Britches” or “Lima Bean”, Lina enjoyed living and was a one-of-a-kind mover and shaker. She will be sadly missed by all that knew and loved her, but she’ll forever live in our hearts and through our memories.

In lieu of flowers, kindly consider donating to the First Presbyterian Church Memorial Fund or to Wilson Friends of the Library.

Condolences directed to Joyner’s Funeral Home and Crematory at www.joyners.net.