Jessie Theron Joyner Jr. Major US Army Retired, age 78, of Monroe, MI passed away Friday, July 31, 2009 at 11:32 PM in Mercy Memorial Hospital where he had been since Monday. Jessie had been in declining health for the past 8 months. Jessie was born December 11, 1930 in Butler, GA the son of the late Jessie Theron and Alberta (Bigbee) Joyner Sr. Immediately following high school, Jessie entered the US Army and proudly served his country for 22 years. Jessie served in the Korean War and later achieved the rank of Major and retired as an administrator. On July 4, 1954 he married Nellie Jack Conner. In 1971 Jessie moved his family to Monroe where he became the administrator for the Monroe Convalescent Center from which he retired. Jessie was a master gardener and a member of the Monroe Garden Club and Monroe Senior Citizens. Jessie is survived by 2 beloved children; Marty T. (Charlotte Ann) Joyner of Monroe and Taryn Angela Redlin of Vidalia, GA. 2 brothers; Joel E. (Nellie) Joyner of Normantown, GA and William D. (Ruth) Joyner of Titusville, FL, a sister Gloria J. Meade of Lyons, GA, 7 cherished grandchildren, 7 treasured great grandchildren and several nieces and nephews. In addition to his parents, Jessie was preceded in death by a daughter Tanya Romina Stevens. Visitation will be held on Monday, August 3, 2009 from 2-8 PM in the Bacarella Funeral Home, 1201 S. Telegraph Rd. in Monroe, MI. He will then be taken to Pinecrest Cemetery in Vidalia, GA where military graveside services will be held on Thursday, August 6, 2009 at 1:00 PM. In lieu of flowers memorial contributions may be given to a charity of the donor's choice.