Rose Clarke Joyner

"I can do all things through Christ which strengtheneth me." – Philippians 4:13

District Missionary Emeritus Rose Clarke Joyner, affectionately known as "Nana" and "Momma Rose," was a beloved mother, teacher, and trailblazer who transitioned peacefully into eternal rest on August 6, 2025, surrounded by the love of her family at the age of 94.

District Missionary Emeritus Rose Clarke Joyner was born on May 25, 1931, in Richmond, Virginia, to the late Ernest Clarke and Gladys Butler. As the oldest of four girls, she embraced responsibility early in life, stepping in to care for her younger siblings and cousins by the age of ten.

District Missionary Rose gave her life to Christ at twelve years old and never looked back. She began her ministry at Mt. Tabor Baptist Church in Richmond, Virginia. She graduated from Armstrong High School at age fifteen and, at thirty-eight, went on to pursue higher education at Hampton Institute (now Hampton University), Old Dominion University, and the College of William & Mary. She held a lifelong belief in the power of education and instilled that same value in generations after her.

At age fifteen, she joined St. John's Church of God in Christ in Newport News, where she served faithfully in nearly every capacity-youth leader, missionary, pianist, Sunday school teacher, radio announcer, and eventually, District Missionary of the Peninsula District of the 2nd Jurisdiction of the Church of God in Christ. She held the title of District Missionary with honor, a testament to her decades of spiritual leadership and servant-hearted dedication.

In 1951, she married the late Richard Henry Joyner, Sr. Their union was blessed with nine children, one daughter and eight sons. Following her husband's passing, she raised her family with unshakable faith, resilience, and grace, while continuing to fulfill her calling in ministry, education, and community service.

Beyond the church, District Missionary Rose was a woman of many talents and boundless energy. She volunteered with the American Red Cross, the Newport News 7th District Court, and the local school system, to name a few. She also worked as a janitor, insurance agent, secretary, schoolteacher, homebound instructor, factory worker, caregiver, and more-embodying Proverbs 31 in her ability to do what needed to be done, all while walking with dignity and faith.

She enjoyed reading, crocheting, walking, gardening, and caring for her beloved pets, including her cockatiel, Pepsi. She was an enthusiastic Scrabble player and loved flowers, especially roses. Her favorite symbol was the cross, which enabled her to drawstrength daily from her faith in Jesus Christ.

She was preceded in death by her husband, Richard Henry Joyner, Sr.; her sisters Frances Clarke and Thresa Clarke; and two sons, Richard Henry Joyner, Jr., and Rodney Keith Joyner.

She leaves to cherish her memory her loving sister, Mary Orie of Newport News, VA; and her devoted children: daughter Rose Maria (Ernest) Vaughan of Suffolk, VA, and sons Roland Purcell (Celestine) Joyner of Ludlow, MA; Renard McBride Joyner of Newport News, VA; Robin Angelo (Barbara) Joyner of Newport News, VA; Raven Alonzo (Leondra) Joyner of Seattle, WA; Roderick Kent (Carla) Joyner of Newport News, VA; and Ramon Horatalius (Lucinda) Joyner of Colorado Springs, CO. She is also survived by a host of grandchildren, great-grandchildren, great-great-grandchildren, nieces, nephews, cousins, church family, and friends.

Her life was a living testimony of love, service, and unwavering faith. As she often said, "The Lord is my shepherd; I shall not want." She has now entered into God's eternal rest, leaving behind a legacy that will live on for generations to come.