Carolyn Joyner Leonard

NASHVILLE – Carolyn Joyner Leonard, age 81, passed away on Saturday, November 16, 2024.  Born in Nash County, NC on November 24, 1942, she was the daughter of the late William Moses Joyner and Pearl Pittman Joyner. She was also preceded in death by her husband, Steven Louis Leonard; her sister, Hilda Viverette; and her brothers, Milton Joyner, and Ronnie Joyner.

Carolyn was a true image bearer of Christ and a beacon of light and hope for all who knew and loved her. She attended Philadelphia Baptist Church for many years until her decline in health. Prior to attending Philadelphia Baptist Church, Carolyn was a long-time member of Union Missionary Baptist Church, where she was very active, including teaching Sunday School. She had a love for all flowers, with the yellow rose being her favorite. Carolyn loved working in her garden, while enjoying canning and putting up her fresh vegetables. She loved shopping and always had a love for her pretty dresses. The beach held a special place in her heart. She was a loving wife, mother, grandmother and great-grandmother and will be dearly missed by all those who knew and loved her, but her loving spirit will never be forgotten as she was everything to her family.

Carolyn is survived by her sons, Samuel Shearin, of Halifax, NC, Steven Shearin, of Castalia, NC, Stanley Shearin, and Scott Shearin, both of the home; her grandchildren, Samuel Gardner Shearin, III, Candice Renee Dowdy, and Michael Lewis; her great-grandchildren, Zoey, Ava, Kelsey, Charlie, Chance, Tristian, Emma, and Nolan; her sister, Emma Joyner; her brothers, Ray Joyner, and wife Becky, Enoch Joyner, and wife Judy, and David Joyner “Rooster”; her sister-in-law, Becky Joyner, and her best friend, Jean Pridgen.

A Funeral Service to celebrate Carolyn’s life will be held on Thursday, November 21, 2024, at 11:00 AM in the Chapel of Johnson Funeral Home & Cremation Services with Pastor John Scott officiating. Burial will follow the service at Mill Branch Cemetery.  Visitation with the family will be from 10:00 AM to 10:45 AM prior to the service in the Chapel of Johnson Funeral Home.

Flowers are welcome.

Arrangements entrusted to Johnson Funeral Home & Cremation Services, 661 English Road, Rocky Mount, NC 27804.  You may share memories and condolences with the family by visiting www.johnsonfuneralsandcremations.com.