Katherine Joyner

Katherine Gamble Joyner, known by all as "Mama Kat," passed away on October 10, 2011 surrounded by gamily.  She was 88 years old. 

The friends and relatives of Katherine Joyner are invited to attend her funeral service at 2:00 p.m. on Saturday, October 15, 2011 in J. HENRY STUHR, INC. MOUNT PLEASANT CHAPEL.  Burial will follow in Mount Pleasant Memorial Gardens.  The family will receive friends at the funeral chapel from 6:00 p.m. until 8:00 p.m. on Friday, October 14, 2011.

Katherine was born on February 23, 1923 in Greeleyville, SC, the second daughter of Charles and Jessie Gamble.  At the age of 16, she met the love of her life, Olin Byrd Joyner.  The couple met on a blind date.  On this blind date, Olin told Katherine that he would marry her one day.  Months later, on January 13, 1940, the couple eloped.  Olin gave Katherine the nickname "Kitten."  His letters home from World War II always began with the salutation "Dearest Kitten," and ended with "Oceans of Love."  They remained in love and happily married until Olin's untimely death on August 26, 1966. After Olin's death, Katherine began a successful career for Jefferson Pilot.  She was a pioneering career woman, who was once named Agent of the Year. She was a member of the Rufus White Insurance Society from 1971-1973 and was named a member of the $100, 000 Club in 1971. Katherine balanced career and family, raising the couple's children, caring for her aging mother, and doting on her grandchildren. She retired from Jefferson Pilot in 1983 to devote all her time to her family. Katherine loved to cook and bake. She always had a chocolate cake and a pot of coffee ready for visitors.  She loved to entertain family and friends and particularly loved hosting Sunday dinner.  She was an avid gardener and devoted animal lover.  She was the loving mother to many dogs throughout the years, most notably Buster, Mike, Barron and Felicia.

She is survived by her five children, Olin Byrd Joyner, Jr. (Gail), Charles Richard "Dickie" Joyner (Ann), Carroll Lloyd Joyner (Cathy), Gregory Gamble Joyner and Kathyanne Morris (Gary), eleven grandchildren, Olin Byrd "Butch" Joyner (Joyce), Keith Edward Joyner (Penny ), Karen Holbert (Greg), Michael David Joyner, Charles Richard "Chuck" Joyner, Jr., Russell Olin "Rusty" Joyner (Liz), Jason Daniel Joyner (Ryan), Kati Teresa Eller (Barry), Erin Joyner McSwain (Chris), John Olin Joyner (Rebecca), and Paul Devereaux Morris, nineteen great grandchildren and one great great-granchild.  She was preceded in death by her parents, her sisters, Gaynelle and Virginia, and her beloved husband, Olin.

In lieu of flowers, the family requests donations be made in "Mama Kat's" memory to Pet Helpers, 1447 Folly Road, Charleston, SC  29412 or Alzheimer's Association SC Chapter, 2090 Executive Hall Road, Stuie 130, Charleston, SC  29407.