Mildred Joyner

Obituary: Mrs. Mildred Fuller Joyner, 89, of Columbia, South Carolina, was born April 27, 1929 in Fitzgerald, Georgia. She was the daughter of the late Jerry Irene Fuller. On Sunday, November 11, 2018, she went home to be with her Heavenly Father. After attending Albany State College, Mildred's passion for nursing led her to the Columbia Hospital School of Nursing in Columbia, South Carolina, where she graduated in 1953. While in school, she met the love of her life, Ruffin Joyner, Sr. She continue to pursue advanced studies in nursing at the University of South Carolina and graduated with a Bachelor's of Science Degree in Nursing in 1976. As a Registered Nurse her career began in Bishopville, South Carolina. She went on to become a school nurse in Richland County School District One. Her career continued at Crafts-Farrow State Hospital, until her retirement in 1989 as Associate Director of Nursing. Mildred was a faithful member of First Northeast Baptist Church in Columbia, South Carolina, where she was part of the Greater Ones Organization. She often held bible study at her home and shared her love for the Lord with others. She was an active member of the Columbia Hospital Alumnae Association where she donated to many charitable organizations near and dear to her heart. She was an avid lover of sports. You could always find her during the week or on the weekend, enjoying and relaxing in her favorite chair watching football, basketball, and tennis. Mildred was preceded in death by: her husband, Ruffin Joyner, Sr.; her parents, Jerry and Irene Fuller; and her sister, Penny Glynn. Mildred was devoted to her family especially her children, Ruffin "Rick" Joyner, Jr. of Springfield, VA, Fran Shepherd. of Woodbridge, VA, Paul Joyner, Columbia, SC, Joal Joyner, of Alpharetta, GA, and Beverly (Shelton) Byrd, of Columbia, SC; her sisters, Harriett Hair, of Hollywood, FL, Dr. Phyllis Scott, of Sunrise, FL, and Tressie Wilson, of Hollywood, FL; brother-in-law, Floyd (Helen) Joyner, of Wilmington, DE; her grandchildren, Ashley Shepherd, Alanna Joyner, Brandon Joyner, Lauren Joyner, Kayla Joyner, Tenesha Byrd Harrington, and Brian Byrd; a host of nieces, nephews, cousins, other loving relatives and dear friends, all of whom will miss her. Services: Funeral services for Mildred Joyner will be held 11:00 a.m. Monday, November 19, 2018 at First Northeast Baptist, Columbia, SC with burial to follow in the St. Patricks Cemetery, Columbia, SC. A Visitation will be held Sunday from 3:00-8:00 p.m. at the JP Holley Funeral, Garners Ferry Road Chapel.