Fonnie Melissa (Chrisco) Joyner

Fonnie Melissa Chrisco Joyner, age 93, passed away on Wednesday, April 16, 2025 at Central Carolina Hospital surrounded by family.  A devoted mother, grandmother, and great-grandmother, she lived a life full of love, kindness, and care for others.

She was born in Moore County to the late Ernest Chrisco and Ollie Lassiter Chrisco.  In addition to her parents, she was preceded in death by her son Johnny Ray Joyner and brothers Fred, Junior, James and Edward Chrisco.  Mrs. Joyner worked many years in food service with the Lee County School System.  She found her greatest joy in the company of her grandchildren and great-grandchildren, who brought endless light into her life. Her home was always a welcoming place, filled with the comforting smells of home-cooked meals.

Fonnie is survived by her loving husband, Clarence who lovingly referred to her as “Dearie” and she referred to him as “Cupcake”; her children LaVerne Joyner, Shelia Joyner and George C. Joyner, II, all of Sanford; sisters Louise Francis of Indiana, Maggie Bristoe of Carthage, Ann Black (James) of East Bend and Emma Yow of Seagrove; daughter-in-law Diane Joyner; grandchildren Melissa Bray (Rob) of Carthage, Audra Edwards (Ryan) of Augusta, Jonathan Joyner (April) of Deep River, Skylar Donathan of Sanford and great-grandchildren Sarah Jane Bray of Carthage, Jeremiah Joyner-Staley of Pennsylvania, Skylaleigh Donathan of Sanford and Cynthia Moore (Chris) of Deep River.

A private memorial service will be held with Britton Altman officiating

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