Grace Joyner

Grace E. Joyner was born March 30, 1926 to the union of William and China (Bryant) Joyner in Alexander, Arkansas. Grace departed this life August 14, 2017 at the Groves Nursing Home in Independence, Missouri. She was preceded in death by both parents, William and China Joyner, six sisters, Alice Knox, Bertha Rogers, Tulcy Betts, Pearl L. Ray, Estelle Dillsworth, and Angie M. Cook; four brothers, Eddie Joyner, Nathan Joyner, James Joyner and Leslie Joyner; her daughter, Arnette (Cookie) Jackson, and son, Arvelle Joyner, two grandsons, Rodney E. Jackson and Floyd (Peetie) Jackson, and one special niece Enolia Thomas.

Grace attended elementary school in Alexander, Arkansas and later moved to Kansas City, Missouri where she received her GED and completed coursework at Penn Valley Community College. Grace attended and received her Cosmetology license from Madam C.J. Walker School of Cosmetology and afterwards owned and operated Grace’s Beauty Nook, along with her sister Angie Cook. They also owned and operated a Barbeque Restaurant on 23rd and Vine called the Twisting Pig. Grace worked for Dit-Mo, Incorporation for over 20 years and retired from the company. While employed with Dit-Mo, she invented a tool that simplified and streamlined the work process and the company paid her for the invention. Grace gave birth to three children, Arnette Joyner, Jannifer Cook and Arvelle Joyner, whom she loved dearly, along with many other spiritual children.

Sister Grace Joyner was a member of Bethel Pentecostal Church in Kansas City, Kansas under the leadership of Pastor Rosie Summers and later Pastor Kenneth Neal. She was baptized in Jesus' Name and filled with the Holy Ghost while under Pastor Rosie Summers' leadership. Evangelist Joyner worked diligently at Bethel Pentecostal Church in Kansas City, KS, cooking and serving dinners for building fund projects, serving on the usher board, visiting and praying for the sick and shut in, and teaching and ministering the gospel of Jesus Christ. She was especially talented at assisting the young and old with receiving the Gift of the Holy Ghost; and worked for many years in the "red room" coaching and helping many to receive the Gift of the Holy Spirit. Evangelist Joyner later became a member of Bethel-House of Prayer for All People Pentecostal Church in Kansas City, Missouri, under the leadership of Pastor Mary Truss, where she continued to work for the Lord by serving on the executive board of the church, working as the church treasurer and bookkeeper, Sunday School Superintendent, teacher, missionary, evangelist and prayer warrior. She also continued the work of assisting new converts with receiving the Holy Ghost. Evangelist Grace was consistent in these roles and more; and continued to perform them under the leadership of Pastor Robert Truss, Jr and Pastor Chrystal Truss. She was instrumental in the purchase of both church buildings – 3838 Independence Avenue, Kansas City, Missouri and the current location, 2247 East Gregory Boulevard, Kansas City, Missouri. Evangelist Joyner was a pillar in the church, was a faithful member for over 25 years, and supported the church through her time and finances. She truly loved the Lord and demonstrated it through her service. Evangelist Joyner was an avid reader and read the entire bible numerous times; as well as, many other books to increase her knowledge of the Word of God. She touched many lives; especially the young people who remember her for being stern, strictly upholding the Word of God -- and lovingly correcting them as a mother in the gospel. The church was her “Special Family” – Pastor Mary Truss became her devoted friend and sister along with Sis. Betty Annette Johnson, the Truss family, especially Ira and Rachel, Evangelist Victoria Bostic and Deacon Johnny McCurry and KC Mother Love, her dear friends, with whom she resided during the latter four months of her life. KC Mother Love considered it an honor to serve Aunt Grace during this time.