Courtland – Mary Alice Joyner, 84, of Courtland, Virginia, died October 28, 2007, in Southampton Memorial Hospital in Franklin, Virginia. Born in Courtland, Virginia to the late James Henry and Grace Turner Joyner and was preceded in death by her brother, James Henry Joyner, Jr.

A retired psychiatric social worker for Veterans Administration (VA) hospitals in Virginia, she graduated from Madison College (now James Madison University) with a Bachelor of Science degree and completed a Master of Science degree in Social work at Richmond Professional Institute (RPI)—now Virginia Commonwealth University (VCU). She was inducted into James Madison University's Bluestone Society in 1998. She also served on a local mental health awareness committee and was a volunteer for the Rochelle House, the Southampton Agriculture and Forestry Museum, and the voting polls in Courtland. She loved life and visiting with friends at For Pete's Sake Restaurant in Courtland. A member of Courtland United Methodist Church (CUMC), where she received its 1992 Community Service Award, she was actively involved with the Courtland United Methodist Women and the Love Meals program. She received the 1995 Community Builders Award from the Grand Lodge of Masons in Virginia.

Ms. Joyner is survived by a sister, Indiana Joyner Williams, of Colonial Beach VA; a brother, W.T. Joyner, III and his wife Patsy, of Courtland; several cousins; ten nieces and nephews; and many friends.

A graveside service will be conducted at Riverside Cemetery in Courtland on Tuesday, October 30, at 2:00 pm by the Rev. Richard Gordon of Courtland United Methodist Church. The family will receive friends at the Church Social Hall following the service. In lieu of flowers, the family suggests memorial donations to Courtland United Methodist Church, 22416 Main Street, Courtland, VA 23837.