Bertice Clifford Joyner, Jr

ROCKY MOUNT –

“His master replied, ‘Well done, good and faithful servant! You have been faithful with a few things; I will put you in charge of many things. Enter into the joy of your master’!” Matthew 25:21.

These are the words Bertice Clifford Joyner, Jr. most likely heard on Saturday, June 18, 2022, around 6:15 AM. With his wife, Gail, by his side, he entered into the presence of his Lord and Savior Jesus Christ. After suffering through multiple physical traumas, he was called home to be pain free and enter into the presence of his Lord.

Born on December 31, 1937, Bert was the son of the late Cliff and Mary Joyner of Rocky Mount, NC. He was also predeceased by his in-laws, Horace and Myrtie Bell Rose; brothers-in-law, Phil Stephens and Peter Wells.

Bert is survived by his wife of 55 years, Gail Joyner; his two daughters, Lisa Gail Joyner Rose and husband, David, and Mary Kaye Joyner; his granddaughter, Hannah Noel Rose; his sister, Juanita Joyner Stephens Wells; his nephew, Daniel Stephens and wife, Rhonda; his niece, Kaila McKenzie and husband, Clint; his cousins; and several great-nieces and great-nephews.

After graduating from Rocky Mount Senior High School in 1956, he went on to complete his studies of History and English at UNC Chapel Hill and attained his Batchelor of Arts and his Master of Education certification. His plan was to become a civil servant by correcting English in documents in Washington, DC. Providentially (for those of us who were fortunate enough to have him in class) his path was diverted, and he became a Principal and lifelong teacher. He devoted his entire life to the service and training of young men and women. No opportunity to teach or learn was wasted.

From the age of 20 something to age 82, his impact was felt by students at RM Wilson Junior High, Parker Middle School, Falls Road Baptist Church School, Wilson Christian Academy, and New Life Christian Academy. He was faithfully teaching until his retirement at age 82. Needless to say, the journey helped him grow as a person and as an educator.

In addition to teaching, he was a long time and faithful employee of Smith’s Red & White, Dortches, NC. He was the best example of a hard worker and made numerous friends at Smith’s “family” over the years. Not only was he extremely hard-working, he was a wise, witty man who was humble and full of grace. He may have been short on words, but he was mighty in humor. When he did speak, you really wanted to listen. Over the years he was dubbed with many nicknames: “Higgins”, “The Bertman” (with illustration), and “The Man, The Myth, The Legend”.

Family life began when Bert and Gail met in 1966 at Falls Road Baptist Church and were married there in March 1967. After teaching for several years in public education, Bert felt the call of God on his life to give students of the Rocky Mount area a chance at a Christian education by being a driving force in the creation of Falls Road Baptist Church School. As a young married man, he realized he wanted his own children to be able to study in a Christian setting. He wanted to be able to teach English, literature, history, and other subjects from the perspective of a Christian. In his own words: “The school was started not only to provide a solid academic education from a Biblical viewpoint but also to give a solid moral foundation that was disappearing from education in general. God’s Word, God’s Son, and serving God were stressed from the very beginning at Falls Road. The school was a product of prayer on the part of many people and prompting of God’s Spirit.” His passion of teaching and extreme work ethic caused this to be the beginning of many fruitful years in Christian ministry.

Being a student of life and a teacher to many, Bert had a work ethic that he longed to instill in his personal family and student family. This is obvious in the multiple verses about work and work ethic highlighted in his Bible. Before being a student of English, he was a student of God’s word. In his Bible he underlined Psalm 119:10 – “With my whole heart have I sought thee; O let me not wander from thy commandments.” Beside this he wrote “My Prayer.”

A Funeral Service to celebrate Bert’s life will be held on Friday, June 24, 2022, at 6:00 PM in the Chapel of Wheeler & Woodlief Funeral Home & Cremation Services with Rev. Carlton Cockrell officiating. Visitation with the family will follow the service in the Atrium of Wheeler & Woodlief Funeral Home until 8:00 PM. The family is requesting the need for wearing of masks.

A Private Family Burial will be held at Rocky Mount Memorial Park at a later date.

Heartfelt thanks and gratitude are extended to the medical staffs at Nash UNC Health Care, Autumn Care of Nashville, Bryant T. Aldridge Rehab Center, and PAM Specialty Hospital.

Arrangements entrusted to Wheeler & Woodlief Funeral Home & Cremation Services, 1130 N. Winstead Avenue, Rocky Mount, NC 27804. You may share memories and condolences with the family by visiting www.wheelerwoodlief.com.