Obituary of Norman J. Joyner

Norman Joseph Joyner Jr. was born to Norman Joyner Sr. and the late, Cecelia Ervin on March 16, 1955 in Sarasota, Florida. Although he spent the majority of his life as a New Yorker, he always considered Florida, home. Norman's family moved to Rochester, New York when he was a young man, where he went on to build his life, attending Madison High School. Norman, fondly called "Bambi" or "Grinch" by friends and family, had a deep love of music and spent many days singing, practicing and performing with his band, Top Quality, during the 70's and early 80's. Norman loved reading books about the War and was always interested in watching the news and keeping up on current events. He was a devout football fan and stayed loyal to his beloved Buffalo Bills no matter how badly they played. Even as his health failed, he knew every player and every trade and was happy to discuss it with anyone who would listen. You could find him yelling back at the television on any given Sunday. The only thing Norman loved more, were his family and beloved children and grandchildren. Norman adored his girls, and treasured the relationship he was able to build with his late son before his sudden passing. Whether local or long distance, he was always so excited to see pictures and hear stories about how his grandsons and granddaughters were growing and what they were up to. Norman was far from a perfect man, but in his eyes, his children and grandchildren were perfection. It is through the legacy that he has built, that his laugh and memory will forever live on. On Thursday, March 28th, Norman was released from all his pain and earthly struggles to go on and reunite with his mother, brother, and son. He was predeceased by his late mother, Cecelia Ervin, brother, Felix "Phil" Joyner, and son, Terrence Walker. He leaves to honor his memory, Father: Norman Joyner Sr., Siblings: Karlene Joyner, Sheila Joyner, Esther Joyner, Joyce Joyner, Jeffrey Jones, and George Ervin. His daughters: Plachette (David) Lewis, Gabrielle (Robert) Leverette, and Tamara Leigh. Grandchildren: Terrence Evans, Michiah White, Desmond Lewis, Davionna Lewis, Davien Lewis, Domir Joyner, Jordan Leverette, Degarielle Joyner-Riddle, Ayvah Beasley, Bella-Maryah Leverette, Zaire Downs, and Zayden Thomas. Norman also leaves to cherish his memory his great uncle Lonnie Harmon and great aunt Irma Calvin, as well as a host of aunts, an uncle, extended family, friends and loved ones.