Charles Sumner Joyner, 79, of Rockingham went to his heavenly home, Monday, Nov. 18, 2024.
Charles was a son of the late Thomas Everette Joyner and Mary Elizabeth Sumner, born April 12, 1945, in Lewiston.
Along with his parents, he is preceded in death by his brother, Freddy Joyner.
Charles attended college at Atlantic Christian College, which is now known as Barton College. Charles studied and obtained his bachelor’s degree in business. College is also where he met his wife, Mary Bazemore Joyner, with whom he shared a blissful 57 years of marriage before his passing. After relocating to Rockingham, Charles worked for the state Revenue Department. Charles was a fan of playing tennis, golf, poker and pool. Some would even call him a pool shark.
Charles was a fantastic cook. The friends who were honored to know Charles knew firsthand how delightful his dishes were. Some favorites include his seabass, pineapple hamburgers, ribs, grilled chicken wings and hamburger soup. Charles and Mary for many years were part of a poker club and were often called upon by their friends to bring Charles’ infamous potato salad. Above all, Charles’ best recipe was the love and memories he shared with his beloved family. Those memories and recipes will be cherished by all who loved and knew him.
Charles is survived by his wife, Mary Bazemore Joyner; children, Kimberly Weaver (Barry), Christie Penzol (Sal) and Richard Joyner (Leanne); grandchildren, Kaili and Hannah Weaver, Ethan Zeller (Rachel), Charlie Jo, Sophia, Wayland and Zoey Joyner.
A memorial service will be held, Friday, Nov. 22, 2024, at 2 p.m. in Watson-King Funeral Home’s Rockingham chapel with the Rev. C.F. McDowell officiating. The family will receive friends for visitation after the memorial service.
In lieu of flowers, the family requests that memorial donations be made to any of the following charities or organizations:
- First Presbyterian Church of Fairmont at 606 Church St, Fairmont, NC 28340.
- Richmond County’s Hospice Haven at 1119 N. US 1, Rockingham, NC 28379.
- First Baptist Church of Rockingham at 201 N Randolph St, Rockingham, NC 28379.
- The endowment for Rev. C.F. McDowell’s son “Live out Luke” at Provision Financial Resources of NC Baptists, Inc. 201 Convention Drive Cary, NC 27511-4257.
Online memorials can be made at watson-kingfuneralhome.com. Watson-King Funeral Home in Rockingham is honored to assist the Joyner family.