Rebecca Susan Brown Joyner

Rebecca Susan “Beckisue” Brown Joyner passed away after declining health on July 15, 2026.

Born in Sanford, Beckisue grew up on Spring Lane, was an active member of Jonesboro Presbyterian Church, attended the Lee County Public Schools, and graduated from Peace College and Meredith College with degrees in home economics and early childhood education. After graduating, Beckisue taught first and second graders in the public schools of both Rocky Mount and Sanford, easily earning the love of students and the admiration of her administrators. After a decade, she left teaching for a career in pharmaceutical sales with Squibb (Bristol Myers-Squibb), and later she accepted a job with Boehringer Ingelheim Pharmaceuticals. She called on doctors’ offices and hospitals in the Tidewater Area of Virginia for both companies and made her home in both Williamsburg and Newport News. After marriage, Beckisue moved to Ahoskie, NC, where she was a member of Ahoskie United Methodist Church and the Ahoskie Garden Club.

She is survived by her husband W. Dan Joyner. They made their home together in Ahoskie, NC for 25 years, until their significant health issues necessitated each of them to receive care organized by other immediate family members. Though Beckisue lived her last 13 months in Sanford, while Dan remained in Ahoskie, they remained steadfast in their love for each other.

Other survivors include her brother John William “Billy” Brown; sister, Mary Brown Wicker and her husband Jade; niece Elizabeth Wicker Gay and her husband Kenan and their children Wells, Brooks, and Mary Kenan Gay; Dan’s son Walt Joyner and his wife Catherine and their children Eliza and James Joyner; and Dan’s daughter Landis Chamblee and her husband Will Chamblee and their children Mac and Helen Chamblee, and Dan’s twin brother, Don Joyner. Also surviving are her faithful cousins and many friends.

Beckisue was predeceased by her parents, John William and Rebecca Watson Brown, and by her maternal grandparents Mr. And Mrs. Robert Atlas Watson, Sr. Though she never knew her paternal grandparents, Mr. And Mrs. Vesper C. Brown, she had hopes that heaven would allow her to thank them for her father.

Before dementia, Rebecca Susan Brown Joyner was always appreciative of any positive attention she received, and she gave supportive attention to others tenfold. She lived a life of consistent gratitude. Just one example of many is that she often literally thanked her mother for her “wonderful childhood”. Those who knew her will remember her spunky personality, her sense of humor, her authentic manner, and the extreme dedication she offered others. She loved many people deeply—her lasting friendships were not only extended to her peers, but also to people of all ages and backgrounds. Her family could not have had a more helpful member. It is fair to say that she did a lot of good in a lot of ways in her lifetime!

The family would like to thank Vivian Prince, Kelly Mabry, Faye Brice, Mary Louise Royal, Belinda McDougald, and Le’Nora Donnell for their compassionate and competent one-on-one care for her. Robyn Brernier and all of Beckisue’s hospice care team from Amedysis were instrumental in adding to her comfort.

A service to celebrate Beckisue’s life will be held at 2:00 pm on Sunday, October 11, 2026 at Jonesboro Presbyterian Church. Her lifelong friend Danny Hester will provide the music. A visitation will be held in the fellowship hall following the service.

Memorials may be made to one of the following:

“The Tot Lot” of Jonesboro Presbyterian Church, 2200 Woodland. Ave, Sanford, NC 27330. The playground is in memory of Beckisue’s parents.

The Association of Frontal Temporal Degeneration, 2700 Horizon Dr. Suite 120. King of Prussia, PA 19406

American Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals, aspca.org, “memorial gifts” Request donation cards be sent to Mary Wicker, 1231 Radcliff Dr. Sanford, NC 27330.