Betty Joyner departed the earth during the early morning hours of October 13th, 2025.

With profound sorrow and deep gratitude, we announce the passing of our beloved Mammaw, who graced this world for 96 remarkable years. Her life was a tapestry woven with love, faith, family, and immeasurable successes, each thread a testament to her resilience, joy, and the countless lives she touched. To know Mammaw, you need to be introduced to her love of semis. In her mid-sixties, Betty accomplished a feat that amazed everyone who knew her, she fulfilled a lifelong fascination with semi-trucks and 18-wheelers by completing CDL school and earning her Commercial Driver's License as a fully qualified semi-driver. Betty's love for big rigs was well known; she was captivated by their power and the freedom of the open road. Determined to follow her passion, she tackled every challenge head-on, mastering each step from hooking up and disconnecting trailers to parking a fully loaded tractor-trailer with precision. What made this achievement even more extraordinary was that Betty succeeded where many men twice her size could not. She completed every requirement with grit and grace, proving that determination and heart matter more than physical strength. Her CDL was more than a license, it was a testament to her adventurous spirit, her willingness to break barriers, and her belief that it's never too late to chase a dream. This story became a favorite memory for everyone in the family, retold with pride and awe at gatherings and celebrations. It stands as living evidence of the remarkable metal from which Betty was forged, her courage, perseverance, and the inspiring example she set for all who loved her. Mammaw was the cornerstone of our family, a guiding light whose warmth and wisdom shaped generations.

She is survived by her daughters, Elizabeth and Darleen, and a vast legacy that spans grandchildren, great-grandchildren, great-great-grandchildren, great-great-great grandchildren and the many in-laws "acquired" throughout her amazing life. Betty's first daughter, Elizabeth and husband Michael's children, Phyllis, David, Jeffery, wife Nicole, and Melaine, carry forward her spirit, as do her great-grandchildren, Christopher, wife BobbieJo, Ashley, and Mallory, husband Glavin. and great-great-grandchildren, Ashley, husband Travis, Raelynn, Parker, Keaton, Maggie, Shepard, and Beckett. Mammaw's loving embrace extends to the great-great-great-children Greyson and Griffin. Darleen's family, Tina, husband Sean, and Charles, grandchildren include Douglas, Colleton, Lukas, and Andrew, are her great-grandchildren and continue to honor her memory.

Her epic journey was filled with moments that shaped us all. Phyllis remembers Mammaw's love of travel, especially adventures in Miss Minnie's RV and a cherished trip to Kentucky's Land Between the Lakes. David, (rumored to be the #1 grandson.. family tease), treasures thousands of warm memories, from late nights watching M.A.S.H. and Gunsmoke, picking muscadines for preserves at Home Port on Snow Lake, to holding her hand in her final moments, blessed to say "I love you, thank you for everything, say hello to everyone and I'll see you soon." Jeff recalls summers spent fishing with Mammaw and Papaw on Snow and Horseshoe Lake, formative years that shaped his life. Chris, known as "Little David" of his generation, share adventures with siblings Ashley and Mallory, echo fondly remembers trips to Pirate Park, Winter Village, and runs to Mr. Swirly, a local ice-cream shop. Darleen and Mammaw shared a special passion for country music, a love that brought them together for countless memorable moments. One of their favorite traditions was enjoying girls' nights out at the Opry dance in Woodbine, where mother and daughter would laugh, dance, and soak in the music they both cherished. These evenings were more than just entertainment, they were treasured times of connection, joy, and shared spirit. The Opry dance became a symbol of their bond, a place where they celebrated their common love and created memories that will forever be held close to the heart. In Mammaw's later years, Elizabeth and Michael provided the steady foundation and loving stability that helped make each day brighter into the twilight. Their time together was often marked by simple joys, low-key evenings spent watching the Braves, Wheel of Fortune, and Family Feud. These quiet nights were filled with laughter, friendly competition, and the comfort of each other's company. Through these moments, Elizabeth, Mike, Phyllis and Melanie with Mammaw founding fun and happiness, cherishing the ordinary as something truly special. These moments where Melanie, officially commissioned, "Captain Octopus" cared for everyone, asking for nothing. Elizabeth's unwavering support and companionship brought warmth and reassurance, making the final years of Mammaw's life rich with love and togetherness. Mammaw's legacy is also found in the laughter and joy she brought to every gathering. Her ninja-like skills at playing spoons made her a true force to be reckoned with, and she delighted in sharing board games with all generations, Aggravation, Uno, Trouble, and more, creating memories that will live on in every summer spent together. Beyond these cherished moments, Mammaw's home was always open, filled with the aroma of bacon, biscuits, and the sound of laughter echoing from the kitchen. She taught us the value of hard work and the importance of faith, leading the family with a strong and unyielding personal example but with a gentle voice and a steadfast heart. Everything seemed to bloom around her from the same care she gave her family, and every holiday was a celebration of togetherness, with stories shared around the table and children playing under her watchful eye. She was the first to offer a helping hand, whether it was mending a torn dress, comforting a crying child, or welcoming a new in-law into the fold with open arms and a warm smile. Her wisdom guided us through life's challenges, and her playful spirit reminded us to find joy in the simple things, like a game of spoons, a walk by the lake, or a quiet moment watching the sunset.

Though our hearts ache with her loss, we celebrate a life well-lived, a life that was epic in every sense. Mammaw's love, faith, and playful spirit will continue to guide us, reminding us to cherish each moment, embrace family, and find joy in the everyday. We are grateful for every memory, every lesson, and every blessing she gave us. God is great, and His will be done.

Visitation will be held on Thursday October 16, 2025 at Friendship Baptist Church from 10:30-11:30 and service will begin at 11:30 am.

Burial will be held Jefferson Memorial Gardens in Birmingham, AL.

Allison Memorial Chapel is in charge of arrangements.