Gilbert Harding Joyner

1912 - 2009

Gilbert Harding Joyner 1912 - 2009 Funeral services will be Wednesday, January 6, 2010, 11:00 a.m., at Liberty Christian Center, 8801 South "H" Street. Interment will follow at Greenlawn Southwest Memorial Park, 2739 Panama Ln. On September 12, 1932, Gilbert married Virgie McCall in Cookie Town, Oklahoma. Gilbert served in the National Guard. He worked in the shipyards in Houston, Texas. After the war, Gilbert and his young family returned to Wichita Falls. Possessing a strong work ethic, he began his career as a carpenter while also serving 30 years as a firefighter. Before moving to California, Gilbert worked as a Civil Servant at Sheppard Air Force Base. After retiring from Sheppard AFB he and Virgie relocated to Bakersfield. Gilbert was a member of Liberty Christian Center, where he and Virgie worshipped for over 30 years. He was a devoted family man who dedicated his life to serving God with his whole heart. He is preceded in death by Virgie Joyner; his son, Rev. David G. Joyner; daughters, Carla Jean, Mary Vanzant, and Rachel Haney. Survivors include daughter, Delores Joyner; daughters and sons-in-law, Naomi and Fred Haber, Sharron and Jim Breneman and Rebecca and Larry Frey. He is also survived by sister, Mildred Yeats; and brother, Rev. J. Paul Joyner of Texas; 34 grand, 42 great, and 15 great great- grandchildren. Many loving nieces and nephews remain with fond memories of their Uncle Gilbert and Aunt Virgie, who always welcomed them into their hearts and homes. "I have fought the good fight. I have finished the race. I have kept the faith. Finally there is laid up for me the crown of righteousness, which the Lord, the righteous Judge will give to me on that Day, and not to me only but also to all who have loved His appearing". II Timothy 4:7 The family of Gilbert and Virgie would like to express sincere gratitude to the "angels" at Parkview Julian Convalescent Hospital for the exceptional care they have provided to our parents during the last years of their lives. Every staff member, without exception, has gone out of his or her way to provide them with the best care possible during their journey. Alma Funeral Home & Crematory