Ronald Joyner

Ronny (Ronald) Gary Joyner peacefully passed away on February 26, 2025, at Lake City Nursing and Rehabilitation Center. Affectionately known as Ron, he was 81 years old. Ron was born on June 6, 1943, to the late Rubin Daniel and Ida Kate Thompson Joyner, in Lawrence, NJ. He was one of 14 children. Ron played baseball and basketball during his school years and had ambitions of being a teacher. He graduated from Trenton High School in 1962 and then entered the Air Force Reserves. After his 4 years of service and with assistance from the GI Bill, he became the first in his family to go to college. Ron graduated from what was then Trenton State College (currently the College of New Jersey) with a Bachelor’s of Science Degree in Elementary Education in 1972. He married Deborah Burke of Mercersburg, PA in 1970 and their union lasted over 50 years until her passing in May 2021. He was a dedicated teacher, working in the Trenton Public School District teaching upper elementary math from 1970 and retired in 1994. During his career, he completed his Master’s Degree in Education and enjoyed working summers as a lifeguard at Hollowbrook Community Center’s pool. Ron was a devoted and loving husband, taking care of his wife through her illnesses. He was passionate about politics, education, pets and nature. Throughout his retirement, he actively supported Ewing Township and Mercer County Democrats, volunteering at his local polling stations. As a man of profound faith, Ron was a devoted member of Friendship Baptist Church and St. Paul A.M.E. Zion Church. His hobbies included studying history, reading news articles, watching political shows, football (cheering on the Eagles) and baseball. Ron also found great joy and peace spending countless hours landscaping his yard, planting various trees, plants and gardening. Ron cherished caring for his pets, especially his bird Maya and outside cats. He took pleasure in watching westerns, engaging in conversations and sharing stories about his grandchildren. His infectious high-pitched laugh could effortlessly fill a room. Ron was preceded in death by his wife Deborah (Debbie) Joyner; brothers, Olson Joyner and Robert (Bob) Joyner; sisters, Shirley Brewton, Janet Bass, Ruby Crowell, Patricia Robinson, and Kate McNair; and sister-in-law Juanita Joyner. Ron leaves to cherish his memories his two children, daughter, Leigh Ann Schwenk of Hackettstown, NJ and son, Jason Joyner (Tracy) of Jonesboro, Ga; four grandchildren, Ethan and Phoebe Schwenk, Lily and Landon Joyner; brother Rubin (Phyllis) of North Carolina; sisters, Kathryn Myles of Lawrenceville, NJ, Martha (Willie) Moore of Virginia, Minnieola (Nate) Gainey of North Carolina, Sandra (James) Smith and Doris (David) Mottley both of Lawrenceville, NJ; sister-in-law, Valerie Reidout of Kutztown, PA, and many nieces, nephews and other relatives. In lieu of flowers, contributions may be made to the Alzheimer's Association or the Diabetes Foundation. You may also consider planting a tree in his memory, as he so loved planting them as well.

Ronald Joyner

June 6, 1943 - February 26, 2025