Sarah Hatfield Joyner

Sarah Hatfield Joyner, 97, peacefully returned to the Lord on Wednesday, January 22, 2025. 

Born on June 24, 1927, in Monticello, Georgia, to the late Dr. Raiford Hatfield and Mable Mitcham Hatfield, Sarah spent her formative years in Monroe, Georgia. At age 17, she graduated Monroe High School, where she excelled academically and played on the basketball team. She began her college journey at Mercer University before transferring to the University of Georgia, where she became a proud member of Alpha Delta Pi and earned her bachelor’s degree in Commercial Art in 1949.  

In 1949, Sarah married the love of her life, Pete Joyner, at Monroe First Baptist Church. She began her professional career as a commercial artist for Macy’s in Atlanta before transitioning to drafting at Robins Air Force Base. Ultimately, Sarah chose to focus on her greatest joy—her family—becoming a full-time homemaker during her children’s early years. 

A woman of unwavering faith, Sarah was a devoted member of Central Baptist Church. She actively participated in the Pete Joyner Sunday School class, which her husband led, and enjoyed teaching children’s Sunday School. Her community involvement extended to the Officer’s Wives Club, where she built lasting friendships. 

Later in life, Sarah traveled to China and Europe, pursuing her passion for art. She worked under renowned artist Ouida Canaday and had several gallery showings at The Atelier in Atlanta. Sarah was an avid UGA Bulldogs fan and spent Saturdays in the fall cheering them on. She became an Atlanta Braves fan while watching with her grandson Ryan.  

Sarah’s personality was as vibrant as her artwork. She was optimistic, feisty, and unapologetically stubborn—she knew exactly what she liked. Always graceful, she embodied Southern charm and elegance. 

She leaves behind a legacy of love, faith, and perseverance that will be cherished by all who knew and loved her. She will be deeply missed. 

In addition to her parents, Sarah was preceded in death by her husband, Earvin “Pete” Joyner, her son Jeffrey Joyner, and her sister, Nelmer Bowden. 

Her memory will forever be treasured by her children, Earvin Lee Joyner Jr (Sabrina), Jeffrey Raiford Joyner (Sharon), Bryan Alan Joyner (Cynithia), and Jennifer Kay Joyner-Thomas; grandchildren, Ashley Joyner (Brent), Melanie Aldridge (Scott), Tara Sahifi (Corey), Samuel Joyner (Alexis), Travis Allen Joyner (Ashley), Ryan Lee Joyner, Brittany Simpson (Tyler), Nicholas Joyner, Sarah Skyler Thomas (Dawson Ezzell), and Abby Thomas (Ethan Blair); great-grandchildren, Eden Joyner, Anna Kate Aldridge, Olive Sahifi, Coleman Lee Joyner, and Carson and Charlotte Simpson, along with nieces and nephews, Susan Davis, Barrett Bowden, and Becky Hancock. 

Visitation will be Sunday, January 26, 2025, from 2:00 pm until 3:00 pm at Central Baptist Church. A funeral service will immediately follow at 3:00 pm in the sanctuary of Central Baptist. Afterward, Sarah will be laid to rest in Magnolia Park Cemetery. 

The family will accept flowers or donations may be given in memory of Sarah Joyner to Tunnels to Towers at https://www.t2t.org. 

Go to www. McCulloughfh.com to sign the Online Registry for the family. McCullough Funeral Home and Crematory has the privilege of being entrusted with these arrangements.