Dr. Jacquelyn Joyner

Dr. Jacquelyn Joyner

Dr. Frankie Jacquelyn Scotton Joyner was born in 1936 to Reverend H. Franklin and Mrs. Lina Scotton in High Point, NC. She was the family matriarch – oldest of nine siblings – Charles, Harry, Ted, Teresa, Gwendolyn, Rebecca, Gail, and Richard-- dedicated mentor, community member, educational professional, and loyal friend to many.

Leaving High Point with her parents, she lived in Washington, DC for a short while and then began her early childhood education in Philadelphia, PA when her parents moved their young family again during the 1940s. After returning to High Point, NC, she attended Fairview Elementary and William Penn High Schools. When Jackie (as she was lovingly called) was ready for college, after being named high school valedictorian at William Penn, she chose North Carolina Central University (f/k/a North Carolina College), a premier HBCU in the state. In college, she joined Alpha Kappa Alpha and was a senior counselor. She earned a degree in mathematics graduating in 1959. Jackie once stated that the most satisfying part of her life was the "positive experiences which had many religious underpinnings." In later years, Jackie earned both a Master of Education degree and a Doctor of Education degree from Virginia Commonwealth University. Dr. Joyner attributed her success in school to good teachers "who taught you how to survive - they said we had to work harder to excel in that kind of climate."

In 1959, upon learning of her mother's illness, Dr. Joyner cared for her younger siblings for one year, postponing her teaching ambitions, while her mother recuperated away from home. She became a librarian at the local "blacks-only" library while she assumed this responsibility. She later achieved her goal of becoming a teacher starting out in Danville, VA, yet still managed to come home on the weekends to help her parents with the children and household chores.

Dr. Joyner joined Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority, Inc. Pi Lambda Mu after moving to Richmond, VA. She was a charter member of the High Point, NC AKA chapter and a fifty-year member of the Upsilon Omega Chapter of Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority, Inc in Richmond, VA. In addition, she was a charter member of the Commonwealth (VA) Chapter of The Links, Incorporated, where she started the Young Achievers program (the Young Achievers is a program under the Commonwealth (VA) Chapter). She was a charter member of the Carrousels of Richmond, VA chapter.

In 1997, she was honored with a retirement party given by her educational cohorts, entitled, "The Best of the Best." Surely, among those who knew her, no one can dispute that accolade. An excerpt from this program reads:

"Dr. Joyner has given 34 years of service to Richmond Public Schools. She worked as a classroom teacher, department chairperson, and instructional specialist for the school division….Giving back to the community has been a personal goal for Dr. Joyner for many years. She is an active member of Alpha Kappa Sorority, Inc., Pi Lamda Mu, North Carolina Central University Alumni Richmond Chapter, Commonwealth Women Impacting Families and 31st Street Baptist Church. The mathematics teachers, colleagues, and friends honor Dr. Joyner for her outstanding contributions to the field of education."

Dr. Joyner was a member of 31st Street Baptist Church, Richmond, VA, where she and her husband, Dr. William H. Joyner, were faithful members for many years. There, she served as a member of the Progressive League and the Missionary Ministry.

Dr. Joyner's life exemplified excellence and commitment to service beginning with her first and second teaching positions in Danville and Richmond at East End Middle School and eventually leading to a supervisor of mathematics position in the Richmond Public School System. She became a peer reviewer of mathematics textbooks, meeting on several panels hosted throughout the U.S. She championed and led initiatives to improve the educational achievement of students from myriad backgrounds and stations in life.

She met the love of her life, Dr. William H. Joyner, a native son of Richmond, VA, in 1962. They were married for 60 years.

Our beloved Jackie went home to be with the Lord on the morning of Wednesday, January 21, 2026.

Dr. Joyner was predeceased by her husband, her mother and father, brothers Harry Coy Lee and Ted Lovell Scotton, and one sister, Dr. Teresa Scotton Williams. She leaves to cherish her memory two brothers, Deacon Richard Scotton, Esq. (Andrea) of Silver Spring, MD; retired school teacher, Charles E. Scotton, of Washington, DC, three sisters, Dr. Gwendolyn S. Bethea (Ronald) of Takoma Park, MD; retired school teacher Rebecca S. White, of Ramseur, NC; and Gail S. Baylor, Esq. (Orlando) of Stone Mountain, GA, special family members, Rosa Scotton and Frances Scotton; sister-in law, Carlise Blakey (Gerald), and a host of other family and friends. Dr. Joyner's unparalleled legacy of love, faith, and commitment will long be remembered by those who knew and loved her.

Professional services entrusted to Walter J. Manning Funeral Home, 700 N. 25th St., where viewing will take place Friday, February 6, 2026, from 2 to 8 p.m. Funeral services will be held at 31st Street Baptist Church, 823 N. 31st St., on Saturday, February 7, 2026, at 12 noon.