FRANKLIN—Bertha Louise Joyner went home to be with the Lord on Saturday, October 15, 2011, while at Southampton Memorial Hospital in Franklin, VA.

She was born on April 19, 1937 in Southampton County to the late Troy Wallace Falkins Sr. and Mary Artis Falkins.

She was preceded in death by her husband, James Linwood Joyner; one sister, Edna Lucille Falkins; and three brothers, Samual Andrew Falkins, Johnny Linwood Falkins, and Henry Wallace Falkins.

She was a homemaker for many years, and she loved taking care of her children. She also loved to host family gatherings at her home, especially Christmas dinner, where she would make sure everyone left with a gift. She was a member of Mt. Tabor Baptist Church in Newsoms, VA, where she served faithfully under the leadership of Pastor Jeremiah Cole. She loved the Lord, and she loved going to church to serve him. Sister Joyner was truly a born again believer.

She leaves to cherish her memory two brothers, James Artis (Smitty) of Yale, VA and Troy Falkins (Billy) of Harrellsville, NC; a close, special friend, Linda Tucker; six children, Shirley (Floyd) Sturdifen, of Newport News, VA, Morris (Gloria) Falkins of Boykins, VA, Annette Blount of Capron, VA, Gloria Jean (Luther) Beale of Murfreesboro, NC, Ella Joyner of Newport News, VA., Alonzo Joyner of Drewryville, VA. and one Godson, James Saxon; ten grandchildren, Floyd (Lourdes) Sturdifen Jr., Jennifer Easter, TaKira (Avery) Lewis of Newport News, VA, Nicholas (Kaylin) Sturdifen, Morrice Falkins of Drewryville, KaTina Flythe, Faith Powell, Ernest Pierce, Bryan Flythe, and Luther Beale III; six great grandchildren, Floyd Sturdifen III, Deont’e Lewis, Tamya Sturdifen, Kemon Eaton, Evangelina Sturdifen, and Janiya Easter. She also leaves a host of nieces, nephews, relatives, and friends. She was a mother to many and loved dearly by all.