Cecil Alvin Joyner

AHOSKIE, NC - Cecil Alvin Joyner, affectionately known as Alvin and PopPop, passed away peacefully at the age of 93 on January 20, 2026, in Ahoskie, North Carolina. Born on January 19, 1933, in Murfreesboro, North Carolina, Alvin was the beloved son of the late Cecil Ervin Joyner and Jennie Garris Joyner.
Alvin led a life marked by dedication to his work, his country, and his faith. He proudly served in the United States Air Force during the Korean War, where he was stationed in France. Following his active service, Alvin continued in the Reserves, embodying a spirit of patriotism throughout his life.
Alvin retired as Production Foreman at Talon Inc., in Woodland, North Carolina, following 30 years of dedicated service. Eager to continue contributing to society, he later became a Correctional Officer at Odom Prison, a position he held for 13 years until his final retirement.
A member of Hickory Chapel Free Will Baptist Church, Alvin's faith was a cornerstone of his life. He was remembered not only for his professional accomplishments but also for his unwavering commitment to his family and community. Alvin will be remembered as a devoted husband, father, grandfather, and friend, whose life was filled with love, service, and faith. He will be deeply missed by all who knew him.
He is predeceased by his parents, his first wife Mickey Joyner, sister Lois Slaughter, and brother James Joyner. Alvin's legacy continues through his loving wife of twenty years, Ann Dilday Joyner, his son Colburn Joyner of Greenback, TN, and stepson Kevin Dilday of Myrtle Beach. He also leaves behind cherished grandchildren, Jackson, Haley, and Cameron Dilday, siblings Marge Scott and her husband Bob of Kingsport, TN, Judy Sadler also of Kingsport, TN, and Robert Joyner and his wife Judy of Murfreesboro, NC, along with many extended family members and friends.
A celebration of Alvin's life will be held during a graveside service on Thursday, January 22, 2026, at 2 p.m. at Meherrin Baptist Church Cemetery in Murfreesboro, NC, with Rev. Jim Skipper officiating.
In lieu of flowers, those who wish to honor Alvin's memory may make memorial donations directly to Hickory Chapel Free Will Baptist Church, 530 NC Hwy. 561 East, Ahoskie, NC 27910 or online by clicking here; or directly to ECU Health Home Health and Hospice - Ahoskie, 521 W. Myers St, Ahoskie, NC 27910 or online by clicking here.
Online condolences can be expressed at www.garrettsykesfs.com. Funeral arrangements have been entrusted to Garrett-Sykes Funeral Service, Ahoskie, NC.
The service will be live streamed (see links under "Events" then "Graveside" or you may go under the "Tribute Wall"). The stream will begin a few minutes prior to service. In the event there are technical difficulties, the service will be recorded and upload to the obituary following the service. To send flowers to the family or plant a tree in memory of Cecil Alvin Joyner, please visit our floral store.