Joyner Jr. Leonard

Leonard Joyner, Jr., 89, of Kansas City, Missouri passed away peacefully on Monday, December 13, 2021 at home with family by his side.

He was born on November 1, 1932 to the late Leonard Joyner, Sr. and Mabel Joyner Bowen in Memphis, Tennessee. He was the second child of three children.

Leonard, affectionately known as “Brother” to his immediate family and closest friends, attended both public and catholic schools in Memphis, Tennessee. During summer breaks and after high school graduation, he worked several jobs that included a bowling alley & pool hall recreation center, a caddy on the golf course, and the Memphis, Tennessee Animal Control Center, just to name a few. He eventually relocated to Kansas City, Kansas to join his mother and immediate family. Sometime thereafter, in 1953, he was drafted into the United States Army. He received an honorable discharge after serving two years. He attended Penn Valley Community College. He was a member of Sheffield Family Life Center and enjoyed attending services and participating in many church activities. Often times, after leaving his church service, he would attend his brother & sister-in-laws church, Maranatha Family Worship Center, until his health failed him and he could no longer do so.

Leonard was a consistent worker his entire life. He always wanted to work and never left a job until he was able to get another one. He was known as “Lenny or Len” to many of his friends and co-workers. He worked for the Armour Meat Packaging Company in the west bottoms of Kansas City, Missouri for 8 years. He resigned to start a new job at Ford Motor Company. He retired from Ford in July, 2002, after 38 years of service.

In 1959, Leonard married his first wife, Judy O. (Hughes) Joyner. To this union, three children were born: Angela, Leonard III & Derron. Leonard met the love of his life, partner for life, and his soul-mate, Catherine (Doxey) Joyner in August of 1977. They united in holy matrimony in June of 1986. To this union was born one child, Kyra. He also raised one step-daughter, Nicole. They were married for 35 years and shared a life together for 44 years.

Leonard was an intelligent man. He was honest, thoughtful, and intuitive in nature. He was respectful of all persons and never had an ill word to say about anybody. He was caring, kind, giving of his time and resources, and loving to his family, friends and those who knew him. Leonard was always willing to help a stranger. He was known as a sharp dresser and very neat in his appearance. He enjoyed socializing with family and friends, memorizing bible verses, reciting poetry, reading the daily newspapers, and was an artful storyteller. Two of his favorite poems that he could recite verbatim were "Dream Deferred" by Langston Hughes and "If" by Rudyard Kipling. One of his most memorable bible verses was Matthew 18:18(NIV); "Truly I tell you, whatever you bind on earth will be bound in heaven, and whatever you loose on earth will be loosed in heaven." In his earlier years at Ford, he enjoyed hunting with his co-workers. His second “love” was the game of golf. First introduced during his high school years, it became a life-long passion and pastime. Over the years, Leonard golfed whenever he could with his five golf buddies. They knew his skillfulness in golfing and often times could win much of their money. Throughout the years, Leonard took regular vacations with his family, attended all but one of the Joyner family reunions, and visited his sick relatives and friends out of state. Upon retirement, he enjoyed traveling and cruising through Europe, Mexico and the Bahamas. Leonard will be dearly missed by all who loved him.

He was preceded in death by both parents, step-father, Rev. Henry Bowen, son, Leonard Joyner III, sister, Theresa Howard, nephew, Gregory Young, and great-niece, Taneisha Worthy.

Leonard leaves to cherish his memories, his wife, Catherine Joyner; four daughters, Angela Joyner, Nicole Doxey, Montrea Joyner of Los Angeles, Ca., and Kyra Joyner; two sons, Tony Coleman of Los Angeles, Ca., and Derron Joyner; one sister, Marva Phillips of Walnut, Ca.; nineteen grandchildren, twelve great-grandchildren, and a host of nieces, nephews, cousins, and other relatives and friends.

Arrangements by Park Lawn Funeral Home
Funeral Service: Maranatha Family Worship Center
1235 College Kansas City, Missouri
Tuesday, December 21, 2021 Visitation: 10:00 a.m. Service: 11:00 a.m.
Interment: Leavenworth National Cemetery

The church and the family kindly request that all in attendance wear masks.

Arrangements by Park Lawn Funeral Home
Funeral Service: Maranatha Family Worship Center
1235 College Kansas City, Missouri
Tuesday, December 21, 2021 Visitation: 10:00 a.m. Service: 11:00 a.m.
Interment: Leavenworth National Cemetery

The church and the family kindly request that all in attendance wear masks.