Ms. Juanita “Queen Bee” Joyner, 83, of Elkhart, peacefully left this world to rest with her Savior on Thursday, November 19, 2020, at 11:35 am at IU Health University Hospital in Indianapolis following a battle with cancer. Juanita was born on September 23, 1937, in Big Creek Township, Phillips County, Arkansas, to the late Azlee and Daisy (Brown) Whitlock, Sr.
Juanita was preceded in death by her parents, daughter Yvette Booze, son Michael Whitlock, and brothers Azlee Whitlock, Jr. and Ulysses Whitlock. Surviving are her children Yolanda Young-Smith, Ricky Joyner, and Kimberly Joyner, all of Elkhart, grandchildren Quennel Young, Dante, Darmeke and Michael Shaffer, Ricky and Danielle Joyner, DeVarence Kimbrough (deceased), and JaWaan and JaQuana Booze. Five brothers and sisters also survive Juanita, along with a host of nieces, nephews, family, and friends.
In accordance with her wishes, cremation has taken place with the assistance of Billings Funeral Home and Cremation Services. The family is planning a memorial service at a later date.
Juanita was a lifelong learner and an avid reader. She graduated high school at 16 years old and enjoyed a career in the healthcare field. She worked at Sunbridge Nursing Home as a Licensed Practical Nurse for over 22 years, where she was loved and revered by her staff, colleagues, and friends. She was an avid cook and would settle for just about any excuse to whip up her signature “beans, greens, and cornbread” with her famous homemade caramel cake for dessert. And she wouldn’t leave you hungry just because you weren’t family. She enjoyed cooking for her neighbors too. When she was not busy, she loved spending time with her grandchildren and watching tennis on TV.
She had a very developed sense of humor and loved her ability to make people laugh. Plainspoken and proud (one friend said boujee (luxurious in lifestyle yet humble in character), Juanita always said exactly what was on her mind, which seemed to endear people to her. She will be remembered for being a great mother, grandmother, great-grandmother, a good neighbor, and a devoted friend.
Memorial donations may be given to the charity of one’s choice. Thank you for your interest in Juanita’s life story.
To send flowers
to the family or plant a tree
in memory of Juanita "Queen Bee" (Whitlock) Joyner, please visit our floral store.