Carolyn Rose (Powell) Joyner

Carolyn Powell Joyner, beloved wife, mother, sister, sister-in-law, aunt, great aunt, and a friend to many, died on May 30, 2025.

She was predeceased by her husband of fifty-six years, Marvin Ray Joyner, on December 19, 2018.

She is survived by her son Jon Mark Joyner and wife Tamara of Sanford, NC; daughter Amy Joyner Finkelberg husband Arty of Jackson, MS; brothers Joe Powell (Flora) and Kenneth Powell (Wanda) of Nash County, NC; sister-in-law Julia Bissette of Nashville, NC; and many beloved nieces, nephews, and great nieces and nephews.

Born and raised on a farm in Nash County, Carolyn graduated from Cooper’s High School and married her high school sweetheart on September 1, 1962.  Carolyn and Marvin made their home in Wilson, NC, for about the first twenty years of their marriage, relocating to Sanford, NC, in 1983 so that Marvin could serve as President of Central Carolina Community College.

Carolyn spent most of her working career with what was then BB&T, working in a variety of capacities, including as a Trust Department Representative and a Customer Service Liasson.  She especially enjoyed working in the Trust Department because that position enabled her to oversee and protect the finances of those who had no one else to carry out those responsibilities.

After over twenty years with BB&T, Carolyn retired in order to complete her college education, first attending CCCC and then Campbell University, where she graduated in 1995.

Upon graduation, Carolyn worked briefly in the field of interior design before leaving to help care for her aging parents.

Carolyn became a Christian at an early age, and her faith remained central to her life throughout the years.  She and her family joined First Baptist Church when they moved to Sanford, and she remained an active member until recent years, when illness made it difficult for her to attend.

Possessing a child-like wonder for God’s creation, Carolyn always enjoyed children.  She taught children’s Sunday School in both Wilson and Sanford, and she also tutored younger elementary school children for several years.

Carolyn loved to study the Bible and was very active over the years in several Bible studies both at First Baptist and in the larger Sanford community, as well as a community-wide Christian women’s group.

An excellent homemaker and cook, Carolyn baked delicious cakes and tasty dishes for church events and bereaved families as long as she was able.

Carolyn was a gracious lady who leaves a legacy of strong faith and humble service.

In lieu of flowers, the family respectfully requests that donations be sent to First Baptist Church of Sanford for its Special Ministries or to the Baptist Children’s Homes of North Carolina.

Visitation will be held on Saturday, June 7, at 10:00 a.m. in the Ladies Parlor at First Baptist Church of Sanford, with the funeral service following at 11:00 a.m. in the Chapel.  Reverend Brian Caldwell and Reverend Mike Handy will officiate.  A graveside service will be held at Buffalo Cemetery after the funeral.

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