Lona Mae Joiner

Lona Mae Joiner “Lona Mae Randolph” was born June 7, 1933 in Dacula, Georgia. She was the tenth child of 13 children born to the late Tanzy and Lona Randolph. She moved to Cincinnati, Ohio in the early 1940’s and later graduated from Our Lady of Mercy High School.
While in Cincinnati, Ohio, Lona met the love of her life, the late Elmer Lovell Joiner, at his family’s General Store. They were later married on July 2, 1949. From this blessed union, 12 children were born; two preceding her in death.
Lona confessed her life to Jesus Christ at an early age as a practicing Baptist, later converting to Catholicism. She was a member of the Lady’s Altar Society at St. Henry’s Catholic Church. Then later studied and obtained her Lay Pastoral Ministry Certificate where she served the Lord with gladness in many ministries throughout the com- munity and as a member of St. Mark Catholic Church.
Lona is the true definition of “I am every woman.” Although performing her duties as wife, mother, Christian and friend, she also exercised her right as a woman, con- tinuing her personal growth, by furthering her education. While expecting her tenth child, she graduated from St. Francis School of Nursing, earning her LPN.
Lona was always a devoted employee. Her journey began at St. Mary’s Hospital where she became inspired to become a nurse. She held positions at St. Francis Hospital, Providence and as a Public Health Nurse for the City of Cincinnati where she later retired after almost 30 years of service. She was well known as one of the first African American nurses in the West End Heath Center.
Lona lived a Godly life, without being a religious fanatic. A life filled with prayer, meditation and reading the Word of God each and everyday. She was Christ-like in every way, seeing the beauty in everything and in everyone. Although she was the biological mother of 12 children, she was a nurturer, encourager and inspiration to thousands. She had an infectious smile that filled the room with humor and laughter. Her signature response to the question, “How you doing, Ms. J?” was consistently and humorously, “Everybody before they do me!”, regardless of her physical, mental or emotional circumstance or condition, remaining an inspira- tion to everyone she encountered. She instilled in each and every one of us the importance of God, family and educa- tion. She also taught us that nothing is impossible with Jesus Christ, hard work, honesty, preparation and “being on time.”
Lona was preceded in death by her parents, Lona and Tanzy Randolph; her husband, Elmer Joiner; her children, Elmer Joiner, Jr. and Michael Joiner; siblings, Fannie Mae Smith, Lois Sims, Theodus Randolph, Lenora Allen, Tanzy Randolph, Jr., Betty Randolph, Lavonia Randolph, Juanita Randolph and Thomas Randolph; and great-grandchild, Simeon Shores.
Lona leaves to cherish her memory: children, Gwendolyn Joiner Stewart, Juanita Joiner-Waldon, Anthony Joiner, Steven (Rhonda) Joiner, Douglas Joiner, Lenora Joiner Thomas, Phillip (Maryum) Joiner, Valerie Joiner, Cynthia (Albert) Joiner-Dawson and Lona Joiner; brother, George (Gloria) Randolph; sister, Eleanore Calloway; 29 grand- children and 51 great-grandchildren; special friends, Mrs. Bell, Mrs. Pearl and Mrs. Melson; and a host of other loving relatives and friends.