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Bertice Clifford Joyner, Jr.

December 31, 1937 ~ June 18, 2022

ROCKY MOUNT - "His master replied, ‘Well done, good and faithful servant! You have been faithful with a few things; I will put you in charge of many things. Enter into the joy of your master'!" Matthew 25:21. These are the words Bertice Clifford Joyner, Jr. most likely heard on Saturday, June 18, 2022, around 6:15 AM. With his wife, Gail, by his side, he entered into the presence of his Lord and Savior Jesus Christ. After suffering through multiple physical traumas, he was called home to be pain free and enter into the presence of his Lord. Born on December 31, 1937, Bert was the son of the late Cliff and Mary Joyner of Rocky Mount, NC. He was also predeceased by his in-laws, Horace and Myrtie Bell Rose; brothers-in-law, Phil Stephens and Peter Wells. Bert is survived by his wife of 55 years, Gail Joyner; his two daughters, Lisa Gail Joyner Rose and husband, David, and Mary Kaye Joyner; his granddaughter, Hannah Noel Rose; his sister, Juanita Joyner Stephens Wells; his nephew, Daniel Stephens and wife, Rhonda; his niece, Kaila McKenzie and husband, Clint; his cousins; and several great-nieces and great-nephews. After graduating from Rocky Mount Senior High School in 1956, he went on to complete his studies of History and English at UNC Chapel Hill and attained his Batchelor of Arts and his Master of Education certification. His plan was to become a civil servant by correcting English in documents in Washington, DC. Providentially (for those of us who were fortunate enough to have him in class) his path was diverted, and he became a Principal and lifelong teacher. He devoted his entire life to the service and training of young men and women. No opportunity to teach or learn was wasted. From the age of 20 something to age 82, his impact was felt by students at RM Wilson Junior High, Parker Middle School, Falls Road Baptist Church School, Wilson Christian Academy, and New Life Christian Academy. He was faithfully teaching until his retirement at age 82. Needless to say, the journey helped him grow as a person and as an educator. In addition to teaching, he was a long time and faithful employee of Smith's Red & White, Dortches, NC. He was the best example of a hard worker and made numerous friends at Smith's "family" over the years. Not only was he extremely hard-working, he was a wise, witty man who was humble and full of grace. He may have been short on words, but he was mighty in humor. When he did speak, you really wanted to listen. Over the years he was dubbed with many nicknames: "Higgins", "The Bertman" (with illustration), and "The Man, The Myth, The Legend". Family life began when Bert and Gail met in 1966 at Falls Road Baptist Church and were married there in March 1967. After teaching for several years in public education, Bert felt the call of God on his life to give students of the Rocky Mount area a chance at a Christian education by being a driving force in the creation of Falls Road Baptist Church School. As a young married man, he realized he wanted his own children to be able to study in a Christian setting. He wanted to be able to teach English, literature, history, and other subjects from the perspective of a Christian. In his own words: "The school was started not only to provide a solid academic education from a Biblical viewpoint but also to give a solid moral foundation that was disappearing from education in general. God's Word, God's Son, and serving God were stressed from the very beginning at Falls Road. The school was a product of prayer on the part of many people and prompting of God's Spirit." His passion of teaching and extreme work ethic caused this to be the beginning of many fruitful years in Christian ministry. Being a student of life and a teacher to many, Bert had a work ethic that he longed to instill in his personal family and student family. This is obvious in the multiple verses about work and work ethic highlighted in his Bible. Before being a student of English, he was a student of God's word. In his Bible he underlined Psalm 119:10 - "With my whole heart have I sought thee; O let me not wander from thy commandments." Beside this he wrote "My Prayer." A Funeral Service to celebrate Bert's life will be held on Friday, June 24, 2022, at 6:00 PM in the Chapel of Wheeler & Woodlief Funeral Home & Cremation Services with Rev. Carlton Cockrell officiating. Visitation with the family will follow the service in the Atrium of Wheeler & Woodlief Funeral Home until 8:00 PM. The family is requesting the need for wearing of masks. A Private Family Burial will be held at Rocky Mount Memorial Park at a later date. Heartfelt thanks and gratitude are extended to the medical staffs at Nash UNC Health Care, Autumn Care of Nashville, Bryant T. Aldridge Rehab Center, and PAM Specialty Hospital. Flowers are welcome, or memorials may be made in Berts memory to a charity of ones choice. Arrangements entrusted to Wheeler & Woodlief Funeral Home & Cremation Services, 1130 N. Winstead Avenue, Rocky Mount, NC 27804. You may share memories and condolences with the family by visiting www.wheelerwoodlief.com. Visitation Atrium of Wheeler & Woodlief Funeral Home 1130 N. Winstead Ave. Rocky Mount, NC 27804 ID ) ); ?>"> --> 252-451-8800 --> | Friday 6/24, 7:00 pm - 8:00 pm Visitation with the family will follow the service in the Atrium of Wheeler & Woodlief Funeral Home until 8:00 PM. Service Chapel of Wheeler & Woodlief Funeral Home 1130 N. Winstead Avenue Rocky Mount, NC 27804 ID ) ); ?>"> --> 252-451-8800 --> | Friday 6/24, 6:00 pm - 7:00 pm A Funeral Service to celebrate Bert's life will be held on Friday, June 24, 2022, at 6:00 PM in the Chapel of Wheeler & Woodlief Funeral Home & Cremation Services with Rev. Carlton Cockrell officiating. Cemetery Rocky Mount Memorial Park 4454 Dortches Blvd., Hwy 43 Rocky Mount, NC 27804 A Private Family Burial will be held at Rocky Mount Memorial Park at a later date.

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  1. Mr. Joyner was my English teacher from 7th-12th grade at FRB. Over the years he become more than just a teacher. He became a mentor, a friend, and a father figure who instilled in the class life values that we will carry with us forever. I will always cherish the memories of him rocking back on his wooden chair with his arms folded across his stomach while grinning at something funny someone had said. I will be praying for the family. Mr. Joyner, I’ll see you again one day except this time without demerits, I promise!

  2. Mr. Joyner was my English teacher from 7th-12th grade at FRB. Over the years he become more than just a teacher. He became a mentor, a friend, and a father figure who instilled in the class life values that we will carry with us forever. I will always cherish the memories of him rocking back on his wooden chair with his arms folded across his stomach while grinning at something funny someone had said. I will be praying for the family. Mr. Joyner, I’ll see you again one day except this time without demerits, I promise!

  3. I am so sorry for your loss. And so happy for Mr Joyner. Now resting in the arms of Jesus. Jane Hedgepeth

  4. My heartfelt condolences are with each of you. I had privilege of being with him at Fall Road and then working with him at Smith’s. He was a Godly man of abundant service to his fellow people.

  5. When I was a child my grandmother and I would always go to smiths red and white to shop. We would go every two weeks. When I was 5 years old I would run into that store looking for Mr.Joyner. He was always there when we would go. As soon as he saw me he would come up to me and either shake my hand or give me a hug, along with a dollar. He always called me his buddy, and I still can hear him to this day. Mr.Joyner left an everlasting impact on me, the same as I’m sure he did with countless others. And he will always be remembered for that for sure. My condolences to Mary kaye and the rest of the family. Sincerely, Jonathan (jay) moss.

  6. Mr. Joyner was a fantastic teacher. He made a difference in my life. I cannot believe that he is gone.

  7. My heartfelt condolences to the entire Joyner family. I know you rejoice in Mr. Joyner’s passing to glory but miss him dearly. Accolades do not do justice to such a teacher and inspiration. He was simply the man, the myth, the legend. May God be with you during this time.

  8. Gail I am,so very sorry for your loss Bert was a very nice gentleman and prayers for you and your girls and family m

  9. Gail I am,so very sorry for your loss Bert was a very nice gentleman and prayers for you and your girls and family m

  10. Mr. Joyner demanded that you learn while in his classroom, but he did it in a way that you never realize what was happening. I consider it a privilege to have been one of his students My heart felt condolences to Mrs. Joyner, Lisa Gail, and Mary Kaye

  11. Remembering Mr. Bert Joyner, teacher, mentor, friend, brother in Christ. Our warmest condolences, A memorial tree was planted in memory of Bertice Joyner, Jr. . Plant a Tree

  12. Every parent wants only the best influences for their child. Mr. Burt Joyner was absolutely the best to my daughter, Amy Jones (Falls Road School, class of 2000). Every Monday morning Mr. Joyner put a quote on the board and Amy copied EVERY SINGLE ONE down and still has them today. No man was greater loved by all of those children than Mr. Joyner, the best English teacher and teacher of how to be a better person and how to love one another and most of all, how to love Our Lord. Thank you, Mr. Joyner for molding my daughter into what she is today.

  13. I’ve had the pleasure of knowing Mr Joyner at New Life Christian Academy and as a co-worker at Smiths. He was an amazing teacher that really cared about his students and made learning fun with his sense of humor. Working with Mr Joyner taught me what it meant to be hard working and dedicated no matter what job you were doing. He would alway have a joke for you and made you laugh even when you were having a bad day. He will be missed by his students, co- workers and many many others. It has been a pleasure and honor to know you and we will surely miss you ❤️

  14. Gail, Mary Kaye and Lisa Gail…prayers for peace and comfort for you all during this most difficult time of losing someone so special. Mr. Joyner was such a southern gentleman and such a pleasure to talk with! I will miss seeing and talking with him tremendously but we all know he is rejoicing in heaven right now!! No more suffering and pain!!

  15. I was fortunate enough to have this great teacher at RMWilson Jr. High. Still remember our study comparing Romeo & Juliet to West Side Story. He had a great sense of humor. He was well loved by students & teachers. Sympathy to his family & friends

  16. Mr. Joyner was indeed a fine example of a Godly man. I am so grateful my children had the privilege of being taught by him in school. Prayers for all of your family.

  17. I am so thankful for the teacher that was Mr. Joyner! Both of my kids had him at Wilson Christian and spoke so highly of him. They enjoyed learning with him! We all have prayed through this time with you and your family, Mary Kaye, as we discovered the connection between your Dad and my kids. We will continue to do so!

  18. It was a blessing to have known Mr. Joyner. Truly a dedicated servant to career, family & God, our eternal Father. Will continue to keep the family in prayer.

  19. Our sympathy and prayers to the Joyners. His influence on all of us has contributed to all of our successes. And thankful for the blessed hope. Ocean Breeze Spray was purchased for the family of Bertice Joyner, Jr. by FRCS Class of 1982. Send Flowers

  20. Mr. Joyner was the greatest influence in my life. I started at FRBCS the first year it opened in the 4th grade and graduated in 1980. I was blessed to have him as a teacher every year. My love of history is because of him. The last time I saw him was just before Thanksgiving. I told him I’d see him later and he said when you come back I’ll be right here…that’s the only thing he ever told me that wasn’t correct.

  21. What great memories I have of Dr. J (that’s what I called him) . . . We taught together in the same building at FRBCS for 18 years, and also at WCA for 4 years . . . I highly respected him. I remember building him a lecture podium, but had to cut it down bc it was too high. I was so glad he also came to WCA . . . I remember talking to him the year I moved and told him he should put in an application . . . so glad he did! Bert will be so missed . . . Prayers for Gail, Lisa Gail, and Mary Kay!

  22. Gail, Lisa, and Mary Kaye, I’m so sorry to hear of Bert’s passing. He touched so many lives in his time on earth. He will forever be in my heart as will you. ❤️

  23. So sorry for your loss. He was a special man. Momma and I always enjoyed seeing and talking to him at Smith’s. Prayers.

  24. Late last night while trying to go to sleep, my mind raced back in time. One of my thoughts was back to Falls Road Church School and Mr. Joyner. He was my English and History teacher thru high school (1975-1979) and the most influential teacher of my life. He was a humble man; patient and you couldn’t help to understand he cared about all those whom he met. He was without a doubt the perfect example of a god-fearing, Christian man. My heart sank when I found he had passed, but immediately rejoiced in knowing he was in the presence of God and with family who had gone on before him. I eagerly await the time when he and I will meet each other again. Many have one person who made a difference in their lives and Mr. Joyner was the one teacher who truly made a difference in mine. God did say to him, “Well done, thou good and faithful servant.”


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