Shirley Bryant Joyner

AHOSKIE, NC - Shirley Bryant Joyner, age 87, passed away on Sunday, January 18, 2026, at ECU Health Roanoke Chowan Hospital in Ahoskie, North Carolina, surrounded by her loving family. Born on May 6, 1938, in Rich Square, North Carolina, Shirley was a beloved daughter of the late Paul Aubrey Bryant and Sarah Lorene Jenkins Bryant.

Shirley dedicated her life to education as a teacher's aide, where she touched the hearts of many students through her patience and dedication. A true craftsman with a caring spirit, she was a member of the Q-Tips sewing group at Mars Hill Baptist Church, contributing handmade hospice gowns and bibs to those in need.

Shirley found contentment in nature and leisure, delighting in flower gardening, an occasional fishing trip, and engaging in spirited card games, with UNO being her particular favorite-especially having a "Draw Four." Her life was a mosaic of simple pleasures shared with family and friends.

A devoted member of Mars Hill Baptist Church, Shirley sang in the choir for as long as her health allowed. She cherished this community of faith and fellowship, which supported her throughout her life. Her gentle spirit and kind heart will remain with us always.

Preceded in death by her dear parents, cherished husband Raleigh Joyner, cherished granddaughter, Sarah Elizabeth Peede, siblings, Aubrey and Pete Bryant, and Billie Ruth Bryant. Shirley leaves behind a legacy of love and warmth through her family.

She is survived by her sons, Joseph "Arlen" Peede, Jr. and wife Jerri of Ahoskie, and Anthony "Andy" Peede and wife Karen of Ahoskie. Her legacy continues through her grandchildren; Tanya Peede Martinez, Scott Peede (Carrie), Brandon Peede (Amanda), Stephanie Peede, Jennifer Claxton (Josh), David Peede (Hanna), and Jeremy Peede, along with her great-grandchildren, Kristen Martinez (Nate Edwards), Alex Velasquez (Marlen), Erika Peede Kemp (Logan), Elizabeth "Lizzy" Peede, Ethan John "EJ" Peede, Wyatt Claxton, Levi Peede, Jacob Peede, Avery Peede, and Roland Peede. The next generation cherishes her as well, including great-great-grandchildren Julian Velasquez, Lucas Velasquez, and Maddlynn Kemp. Her surviving siblings, Linda Beverly, Joyce McKnight (Jerry), Gene Bryant (Mary), and Larry Bryant, remember Shirley with fondness, along with a host of nieces, nephews, extended family members, and many friends.

The family will receive friends on Wednesday, January 21, 2026, from 12:30 PM until 1:30 PM at Garrett-Sykes Funeral Service in Ahoskie, NC. A celebration of Shirley's life will follow at 2 PM, with a graveside service at Roxobel-Kelford Cemetery in Roxobel, NC, officiated by Rev. Lloyd Jones and Rev. Al Hughson.

In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made directly to Mars Hill Baptist Church, 1325 Meadow Road, Colerain, NC 27924 or online by clicking here, to honor Shirley's memory and commitments.

Online condolences may be directed to the family at www.garrettsykesfs.com. Funeral arrangements have been entrusted to Garrett-Sykes Funeral Service, Ahoskie, NC.