Louise Proctor Joyner

Louise Proctor Joyner December 07, 2009 Louise Proctor Joyner, 88, went home to her Heavenly Father on Monday, December 07, 2009. She was born September 07, 1921 in Edgecombe County, the oldest daughter of the late Dempsey and Rosa Lee Proctor. She outlived the majority of her family. She was preceded in death by her first husband, Van Gibson; her second husband of 27 years, William Cornell Joyner; grandson, Ronnie Dean Combs. She was also predeceased by her siblings; Dempsey Proctor, Meedy Proctor, Doris Proctor Carpenter, and Frances Proctor Luper. She leaves a strong legacy behind to her daughter, Peggy Sue Gibson Combs and husband Phillip; grandson, Christopher Patrick Combs; granddaughter, Kimberly Ann Combs Parker and husband David; and great-grandchildren, Kayla McKenzie Parker, Emma Grace Parker, and Declan James Parker. Louise was a woman of small stature but was mightier than most. She was a "warrior" who fought for everything her whole life. When she was 16 years old, her father died and Louise had to sacrifice college to help raise her four brothers and sisters. After divorcing at a young age, she became a single working mother but through strong will and determination, made a great life for her family. She had the highest score in her high school typing class and without any further education made a lasting career as a secretary and bookkeeper in Rocky Mount. She spent many years working for Chandler's Department Store and Browning Auto Parts. Louise was passionate about many things. She loved to dance. As a Red Cross volunteer, she spent many hours entertaining the USO troops at dances. She discovered that she had a green thumb like her mother. Her mother would raise hydrangeas in her garden and Louise would raise hibiscus. This love for nature has been continued on through the "friendship garden" planted in her daughter, Peggy's backyard. Louise's greatest love was her family. One of the greatest gifts she passed on to her daughter was her love of nature. "When you love nature, you have something to look forward to everyday." The other gift was taking her daughter to church which started her walk with the Lord. Louise had a strong faith. Louise experienced the presence of the Lord after having a heart attack where He appeared at her bedside where He told her everything was going to be alright. Later in life, Louise became interested in genealogy. She spent many hours researching and documenting her family's heritage. She has traced her family history back to the Mayflower. Louise has been active in many organizations through the years. She has been a part of the Daughters of the American Revolution, Colonial Dames of XVIIC, and the Rocky Mount Garden Club. She was a charter member of Tar River Connections and the National WWII Memorial. A memorial service to celebrate Louise's life will be held at 11:00 am Friday, December 11, 2009 at First Baptist Church with Rev. William Grisham officiating. Visitation with family and friends will follow the service. Arrangements by Wheeler and Woodlief Funeral Home, 1130 N. Winstead Avenue, Rocky Mount NC. On-line condolences may be sent to the family by visiting www.wheelerandwoodlief.com. Visitation First Baptist Church (Rocky Mount) 200 S. Church Street Rocky Mount, NC 27804 ID ) ); ?>"> --> 252-446-9113 --> | Friday 12/11, 11:30 am - 1:00 pm Service First Baptist Church (Rocky Mount) 200 S. Church Street Rocky Mount, NC 27804 ID ) ); ?>"> --> 252-446-9113 --> | Friday 12/11, 11:00 am