Marjorie Countryman Joyner, of Hilton Head Island, SC, formerly of Garland, AL, was called to her Heavenly home November 9, 2010.  She was the eldest of 6 children and was born August 16, 1913, to Rev. John Harmon and Zillie Mae Countryman.  She was preceded in death by her parents; all of her siblings (Ruby Delle, William, Benjamin, Lois [Lee], and James Hymon); her husband, Claiborne Harvey Joyner; a granddaughter, Cynthia Juanita Davis; and a son-in-law, Silas C. Garrett, IV.  She is survived by four daughters, Jacqueline Ruth (Lavaughn) Skipper, McKenzie, Alabama; Mary Phyllis (Harold) Davis, McKenzie, Alabama; Marjorie Elaine Garrett, Gulf Shores, Alabama; and Harvey Muriel (Roger) Lyle, Hilton Head Island, South Carolina; a brother-in-law, Rufus Wyatt (June) Joyner, McKenzie, Alabama; a sister-in-law, Gladys Countryman, Austin, Texas; 8 grandchildren; 14 great-grandchildren; 4 great-great grandchildren; and numerous nieces and nephews.

She resided in Alabama until 2002, when she left for Hilton Head Island, South Carolina, to be under the care of her daughter and son-in-law, Lt. Col. and Mrs. Roger H. Lyle.  Her career was spent with the U.S. Postal Service where she began as a postal clerk in the Garland, Alabama Post Office until she received her appointment, by President Dwight D. Eisenhower, in April, 1954, as Postmaster. She held the position of Postmaster until she retired in November, 1975.  She was a gifted musician, beginning at a very young age, and was an accompanist for her father’s “Singing School”, as well as various other vocal groups.  She served as church pianist/organist; Sunday school teacher; Associational WMU Director; President and other officer positions of the local AARP chapter; in various roles of leadership; and devoted her life and love to her Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ, her family, her church and her community.  Those fortunate to have known her knew her as a Godly woman who lived her life by His Holy Word and was thereby a kind and loving person of great moral character, and who was an enemy to no one, but a friend to everyone.

Funeral service will be held Friday, November 12, at 11:30 AM at the First Baptist Church, Hilton Head Island, with Dr. John Keller and Dr. John Click officiating.  Visitation will be from 10:00 AM to 11:30 AM prior to the funeral service.

A graveside service will be held on Sunday, November 14, 2010, at  2:00 PM, in the Olive Branch Cemetery, Owassa, Alabama, with Bro. James Owens officiating.  Visitation will be held prior to the graveside service, beginning at 12 noon until 1:30 PM, from Johnson’s Funeral Home, Georgiana, Alabama.

In lieu of flowers, it is requested that memorial contributions be made to the Music Ministry of the First Baptist Church, Hilton Head Island;100 South Forest Beach Dr.; P.O. Box 5922; Hilton Head Island, SC 29938.

The Island Funeral Home and Crematory is in charge of arrangements.  www.theislandfuneralhome.com