Ethel Joyner

Ethel M. Joyner PORTSMOUTH - On Wednesday, Oct. 20, 2010 the eyes of God smiled down on our beloved Ethel Mitchell Joyner. Ethel was born in Petersburg, Va., to the late Louis and Eva Mitchell. Ethel had an underlying faith, a diligent servant of ministry in Third Baptist Church, Portsmouth, until illness prevented her full participation but not her concern. A longtime resident of Portsmouth, Ethel retired from the Department of Food Services of Portsmouth General Hospital. She leaves to cherish her precious memory, two sisters, Lucile Snyder (Abe), Fredericksburg, Va., and Gloria Jean Anderson, Pittsburgh; a host of nieces, newphews and other relatives and friends. She was predeceased by her husband, James Joyner and brother, Lawrence Mitchell. Special thanks and appreciation are extended to an exceptional friend, Mrs. Dorothy DeSue and the one Ethel cherished as "my son" James "Jimmy" (Lydia) Simmons for modeling the role of loving and supportive caregivers. A celebration of Ethel's life, legacy and lasting spirit will be conducted Wednesday, Oct. 27, at 11 a.m. in the Third Baptist Church, 461 Godwin St., Portsmouth, with Pastor Joseph A. Fleming officiating. Interment will be in Olive Branch Cemetery, Portsmouth. Family and friends will assemble at Corprew Funeral Home, 1822 Portsmouth Blvd., one hour prior to service for the procession to the church. The public viewing will be held Tuesday, Oct. 26, from 10 a.m. to 8 p.m. Corprew Funeral Home is in charge.