Ulma Carolyn Joyner Funeral services for Ulma Carolyn Joyner will be held Wednesday, March 18, 2015, at 10:00 a.m. at Robert Barham Family Funeral Home, with Brother David Sellers and Brother Wade Ricks officiating. Burial will be in Magnolia Cemetery, with Robert Barham Family Funeral Home in charge of the arrangements. Mrs. Joyner, 71, of Collinsville, passed away March 15 at Anderson's. Carolyn was born April 2, 1943, to Ulma and Cleo Johnson. She was the only surviving child, with a sister and brother that were stillborn prior to her birth, proving early on that she was one to overcome the odds. She followed in believer's baptism on July 7, 1955 at the age of 12. Carolyn faced many hardships in life and suffered the loss of many loved ones, but always put a positive spin on even the hardest times. She used the hard times in her life to help her witness to others and share the love of God that engrossed her life every day. She loved her husband of 40 years very much and tended to his needs everyday, even on days when she needed to be the one tended to - but she wouldn't have had it any other way. She instilled in her children her love for her Heavenly Father and her love for others. It is no surprise that both of her children became nurses and help spread God's love to others in their weakest times of life. Carolyn may not have had a nursing degree, but she was a nurse by trade to many. It's no secret that the light of her life was her grandchildren, who call her "Nana". Carolyn will be missed greatly by them, but she blessed them by leaving behind her legacy of a picturesque life of a God-fearing Southern lady, more lovingly known to her family as their "Steel Magnolia". Carolyn is survived by her husband, Elton Joyner; son, James (Brandy) Ramsey; daughter, Wende Joyner (Lance) Bruce; step-daughters, Cindy, Carol, and LaNeece; nine grandchildren, Anna, Kelsey, Harm, Evan, Chase, Brittney, Dae, Jamie, and Will; and five great-grandchildren. She was preceded in death by her parents, Ulma and Cleo Johnson, and her first husband, James M. Ramsey. Pallbearers will be Al McElroy, Clint McElroy, Robert Joyner, Rod Hitt, Billy Allen, and Dan Houston. Family and friends may sign the online guestbook at robertbarhamffh.com. Visitation will be held Tuesday, March 17 from 5-7 pm at the funeral home.
