Donavee Dickson Joyner

Donavee Dickson Joyner, age 84, passed away at her home in Pensacola, Florida, in the early morning hours of Saturday, September 30, 2023. Family was gathered around her, as she completed her earthly mission and returned home to her Heavenly Father. Donavee was born on September 14, 1939 in Lovell, Wyoming, to Joseph Henry Dickson and Geneva Allphin Dickson. The second oldest of ten children, her family later settled in Washington state. It was here that Dona gained her passion for working and being outside. When given the choice to work in the garden or clean the house, she was the first one out the door. Dona got out of ever doing the dishes by walking a half a mile everyday to milk the cow, a deal her father made with her and she felt she came out on top. Dona preferred to go barefoot as much as she could get away with and that continued into her adult life. Shoes were optional in her opinion. From singing together while gathered around a big bowl of popcorn to the yearly camping trips as adults, Dona and her siblings loved just being together as a family. Dona attended Weber State College in Ogden,Utah where she obtained her nursing degree. While she worked just about every area of nursing, caring for the older patients was something she most enjoyed. The personal, hands-on part of nursing highlighted her love and compassion for those around her. Dona shifted roles to become a stay-at-home mom while also becoming the neighborhood nurse. She could usually patch almost anything up with a butterfly bandage. Later in life, Dona used her nursing skills and compassion to provide full time care to her husband until his passing. One could always find a book in Dona’s hand or on her nightstand. After the children were grown, Dona took a job working at the public library, which was a little slice of heaven in her eyes. She was like a kid in the middle of a candy store. Dona also taught water aerobics at a local pool which allowed her to not only stay strong physically, but also build lasting relationships as she shared the gospel of Jesus Christ with her friends. Donavee and her husband, Nelson Joyner, were married for 63 years, raising seven children together. She was instrumental in helping to instill the importance of hard work, honesty, integrity, love for others, and love for the Lord in her children, grandchildren and great-grandchildren. With her encouragement and support, she helped her children succeed in their various interests and activities, reminding them you are never too old to achieve your dreams. Dona loved having her family gathered together where they would play games, put a puzzle together, sing songs, or just talk. Being together as a family brought her joy and happiness. Dona was an active and faithful member of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-Day Saints. She served in various capacities that allowed for her to strengthen and comfort those around her. Dona was very involved with family history where she tirelessly researched to find and connect individuals to their families. Later in life, Dona and Nelson served as church missionaries for 18 months in Sri Lanka where they had the opportunity to share the gospel of Jesus Christ with others while strengthening her own testimony and making lifelong friends. Dona loved the Lord with all her heart and lived an honorable life as a beloved daughter of God. Donavee is preceded in death by her parents, Joseph and Geneva Dickson; and by her younger sister, Georgia Baird. Donavee is survived by her children, Teressa Swetnam, Phill Joyner, Geneva Sanchez-Morales, Rebecca Ricks, Edna Felix, Aaron Joyner, Isaac Joyner; 29 grandchildren, 15 great-grandchildren with three more on the way. "The family would like to express their extreme gratitude to the staff at HCA Florida West for the love and care they provided to our mother and to Gentiva Hospice for helping us honor our mothers wishes to finish her earthly mission in her home surrounded by her family." Pallbearers will be Owen Joyner,Wyatt Joyner, Katie Ricks, Bryan Ricks, Dallas Joyner, Ben Joyner, Miguel Sanchez, Esther Sanchez, Josh Joyner. Honorary Pallbeares will be Carrie Gonzales, Clarise Pedersen,Hannah Dance, Katherine Adkins , Eileen Walden, Jessica Stepherson, Rachel Bassett, Evelyn Rich-Morales,Ana Sanchez ,Joshua Ricks,Daniel Ramsey,Nathan Ramsey,Ammon Felix,Ezri Hart,Makiya Felix, Robert Felix, Isabelle Felix, Halle Joyner. Visitation will begin at 11:30am until 12:00pm on Thursday, October 5, 2023 at Faith Chapel Funeral Home South (100 Beverly Parkway, Pensacola, Florida 32505). Funeral Service will begin at 12:00pm with Bishop Aaron Robison presiding. Burial will follow at Pensacola Memorial Gardens. Faith Chapel Funeral Home South, 100 Beverly Pkwy., Pensacola, Florida 32505 is entrusted with arrangements. You may express your condolences online at www.fcfhs.com.

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Donavee Dickson Joyner

September 14, 1939 - September 30, 2023