Matthew Carswell Joyner

Matthew AKA: Matt, Matt Matt, Mattie, Matt the Man, Mattress (LOL)

On November 1, 2025, Matthew departed his earthly home for his eternal heavenly home.

“Matthew Joyner is and was a beacon of joy, love, compassion and kindness in our friend circle. His impact was powerful and permanent and we are forever changed by his presence and absence. Sometimes the brightest lights have the shortest burn.” - Mark Dowd

Matthew was born on the 3rd of October 1988 to Mark and Jackie Joyner (Sardis GA). Surviving family includes his brother, Bryan, and life partner Kayla Smith; two incredible nephews, Lawton and Waylon (Midway, GA); Aunt Margie and Uncle Dennis Britt (Martinez GA); cousins, Steven Smith and Maria Methvin (Edgefield, SC) and awesome niece, Laila Smith; his cousin Taylor Britt and Colter (Dearing, GA). The rest of the family is widely spread, aunts, uncles, cousins from Florida, the Carolina’s, Ohio, to California. Matt was proceeded to his eternal home by his “Papa” Ted and “Granny” Max (Maxine) Joyner; along with grandparents, Herschel (H.V) and Bernice Carswell.

His education included Burke Haven Christian School, Burke County High School class of 2007. After high school, he graduated Georgia Military College class of 2010 and had planned on continuing his education and pursue a degree in nursing, but life got complicated. Matt worked numerous jobs, pizza delivery, construction, and security, until he secured a great job at Savannah River Nuclear Solutions as an operator. Thanks for all the caring, support and love.

Matthew’s greatest joy is his family, his cats and his people! His deepest desire was to see people happy. He loved meeting, serving and helping as many folks as possible. If there was a need, Matt didn’t think twice about helping, caring and loving. “That’s what God calls us to do!”

To my “AA” family, yes he had an issue or two, but who doesn't. Stay strong, support and love each other and remember “One Day at a Time”, LOVE Y’ALL! Mittens and Muffin Man, his cat children, so much love and joy in his life! He enjoyed gaming and some outdoor activities, until the pulmonary hypertension advanced to where it was difficult to even go to work. Please care for and love on folks with critical illnesses and always be kind.

Thank you to all the doctors and staff that cared for him over the years at Piedmont Augusta, Duke Medical and Wake Medical. To doctors and staff at Piedmont Atlanta thank you for your caring compassion for our family and making his organ donation a success. Please consider the Gift of Life!

If you would like to do something in memory of Matt, love each other! You may also make a difference with a donation to SPCA Albrecht Center for Animal Welfare, Aiken SC, or Golden Harvest Food Bank, Augusta GA.

Lastly, to my lifelong friend, Douglas Murray, “LOVE YOU BROTHER!”

The family will receive friends from 5:30 pm to 8:00 pm Friday, November 7thvisitation at the funeral home.

Funeral Services will be held11:00 am Saturday November 8th service will be at Piney Grove Baptist Church, Burial will follow at Sardis Baptist Cemetery.

Pallbearers will be Bryan Joyner, Steven Smith, Douglas Murray, Grant Herring, Mitchell Johnson, and Janson Creager.

DeLoach-McKerley-Prescott Funeral Home & Cremation Service, 220 East 6th Street, Waynesboro, GA 30830 (706-554-3531). You may sign the guest book at www.deloachfuneralhomes.com.