Margaret Harrison "Mickey" Joyner

ROCKY MOUNT – Margaret Harrison "Mickey" Joyner, age 92, went to be with the Lord on Tuesday, July 25, 2023, one day shy of her 93rd birthday. Born in Nash County, NC on July 26, 1930, she was the daughter of the late Phillip Green Harrison, Sr. and Nannie Meredith Harvell Harrison. She was also preceded in death by her husband of 59 years, Elisha Thomas “Tom” Joyner; her son, Jeffrey Dean Joyner; her sisters, Virginia Harrison Baker and Lela Harrison Morris; her brothers, Phillip Green Harrison, Jr. and James Thomas Harrison; and several nieces and nephews. Mickey was a member of Arlington Street Baptist Church for her entire life. Her love of the Lord was manifested in her love for her church and church family. Mickey enjoyed varied careers in her life, the most important being a wife and mother. She was a caregiver to her family members and was a Safety Patrol Officer, Secretary, and Administrative Assistant. But her favorite role was when she and her husband, Tom, joined her beloved sister Virginia Baker, and her husband J.D., in running Camp Ocean Forest down at Emerald Isle beside the Bogue Inlet Pier. From March to November each year, Mickey and Tom would leave their home in the care of their son, Jeff, and join her sister and brother-in-law at the campground. They resided in a little fisherman’s cabin a block from the sea on the campground, checking campers in and out of the campground and running a small general store. On their days off they would explore the coast of North Carolina and make friends with all the campers. It was the best years of their lives. Their time at the campground ended when their beloved son, Jeff, was diagnosed with malignant melanoma in 1993. They returned to Rocky Mount and cared for their son until his passing in 1993. Alzheimer’s took her life, but it never took her smile and her gentle, loving disposition. Her solid faith in her Savior, Jesus Christ, was always apparent in every season and aspect of her life. “I have fought the good fight, I have finished the race, I have kept the faith” – 2 Timothy 4:7. Mickey is survived by her son, Michael Thomas "Mike" Joyner and many special nieces, nephews, and dear friends. A Graveside Service to celebrate Mickey’s life will be held on Monday, July 31, 2023, at 11:00 AM in the Chapel on the Hill Mausoleum at Rocky Mount Memorial Park, 4454 Dortches Blvd., Rocky Mount, NC 27804, with Rev. Carlton Cockrell officiating. Visitation with the family will be from 10:00 AM to 10:45 AM prior to the service at Chapel on the Hill Mausoleum. Mickey was blessed with so many friends. The family would like to thank Mickey’s special friends Elise Sykes, Irby and Mary Pope, her Sunday School Class, Gail Acree, Julia Duke (her special niece who was like a daughter) and Mitzi Treimann (who was also like a daughter to her). In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made in Mickey’s name to the Nash County Senior Center, Caregiver Program, 103 N. Alston Street, Nashville, NC 27856. 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.