Helen Dale Brown Joyner, 79, passed away peacefully surrounded by her children in her home on Aug. 17, 2015. Mrs. Joyner was born in Durham, N.C., on Oct. 25, 1935, and named after her maternal grandmother, Minnie Dale Collier. She was the daughter of the late Lillie Mae Collier and Earl Russell Brown.

Helen Brown Joyner grew up in Franklin and attended Franklin High School, where she played basketball. She continued her education at the Medical College of Virginia and worked as a radiology technician at the Louise Obici Memorial Hospital and Lakeview Medical Center in Suffolk. She was a lifelong member of Sycamore Baptist Church in Franklin.

Mrs. Joyner is survived by two sisters, Betty Garrison, of Charlottesville, and Ruth Baker, of Ellwood City, Pa. She was predeceased by her siblings, Earl Brown Jr., Juanita Cross, Robert Brown and Lewis Brown. She is survived by two sons, John Joyner Austin and his wife, Eva, and William Lassiter “Chip” Joyner and his wife, Janine; and two daughters, Sandra Joyner Babb and her husband, Robert, and Tamra Joyner Crigger; and her husband, Terry. She was an affectionate grandmother to Erica Austin, Wesley Whitmore, Catelyn and Alex Joyner, Meghan and Austin Babb, and Mona and Garrison Crigger; and she was blessed with one great-grandchild, Brianna Whitmore.

Helen Joyner was a beloved mother who, through her creativity, resourcefulness and hard work, made a wonderful home for her family. She was the quintessential mother who could sew amazing costumes and clothing for her children and grandchildren, be the supportive parent in the stands at athletic events, and volunteer as the Girl Scout leader to a group of energetic pre-teen girls. A lifelong learner, she loved to read, draw and “piddle” in her yard.

A celebration of life service will be conducted by Dr. Roger D. Crump at Parr Funeral Home, 3515 Robs Drive in Suffolk, at 11 a.m. on Thursday, Aug. 20, 2015. The burial will be at Sycamore Baptist Church, 31120 Sycamore Church Road, Franklin, with a reception to follow in the church fellowship hall. The family will receive friends at Parr Funeral Home, Wednesday, Aug. 19, 2015, from 6 to 8 p.m. and other times at the residence of Sandra and Robert Babb. Condolences may be registered online at www.parrfuneralhome.com.