Bishop Henry McClee Joyner

Born on December 5, 1943, in Nash County, North Carolina, Bishop Henry McClee Joyner was the third of eight children born to the late Deacon Oby and Gladys Joyner. On Thursday, April 3, 2025, surrounded by his family, he peacefully transitioned from labor to reward and entered into the eternal rest of our Sovereign Savior. 

Raised in the fear and admonition of the Lord, Bishop Joyner was shaped by the firm hand of his devoted mother and the nurturing heart of his gracious father. His spiritual foundation was deeply rooted at an early age, both through his home and his childhood church—Saint Paul Holiness Church—founded by his grandfather, the late Elder Henry Joyner. Bishop Joyner often joked, “I went to church nine months before I was born,” a lighthearted reflection of his lifelong devotion to Christ. The many stories he shared about his upbringing made it evident that his experiences molded him into a diligent worker, a devoted and present father, and compassionate, insightful pastor. 

Bishop Joyner graduated from Frederick Douglass High School in 1963, a school where he completed grades one through twelve. His peers fondly remember him not only as a hardworking student but also as an eleventh grader who drove the school bus. He was a proud member of the 1962–63 varsity basketball teams, coached by North Carolina Hall of Fame Inductee Coach Harvey Reid. In 1962 the Frederick Douglass High School Braves won the North Carolina High School Athletic Conference 2-A Championship—with a roster full of cousins who shared his love for the game. 

It was at Frederick Douglass High School where Bishop Joyner met the love of his life, Carolyn Joyner. Even weeks before his passing, he reminisced about the divine moment he first saw her stepping through the rear double doors of the school, thanking God for orchestrating that encounter. They were married on March 31, 1964, and later moved to Washington, D.C. From this union came two children: Tinita Crystal and Henry Lee.

In 1970, Bishop Joyner’s beloved older brother, Obie Joyner Jr., passed away unexpectedly. Without hesitation, Bishop Joyner and Carolyn embraced the responsibility of caring for his brother’s widow, Annie Lee, as well as raising Obie’s three children—Angela LaShawn, Katrina Paulette, and Keith—alongside their own. For nine years, they lived as one united family. To Bishop Joyner, there was no distinction. All the children called him “Daddy,” and he claimed each one as his own.

Among the many roles Bishop Joyner fulfilled, none brought him greater joy than being a devoted husband, father, grandfather, and great-grandfather. He made his love for family clear through both grand gestures and everyday acts of service—from renovating his basement to house loved ones, to faithfully handling school drop-offs and pick-ups. He offered wise counsel on finances and relationships, and always made himself available to meet the needs of those he held dear. Bishop found deep fulfillment in caring for his family, and he did so with humility, joy, and unwavering commitment. He cherished family reunions and looked forward to every opportunity to reconnect with extended relatives and cousins. To him, those moments were sacred expressions of love and legacy. 

A man of incredible work ethic, Bishop Joyner began working alongside his father and siblings in North Carolina’s tobacco fields—a formative experience that laid the groundwork for his tireless dedication throughout his life. He later served as Head Chef for the Marriott Corporation for 17 years before stepping fully into ministry as the Senior Pastor of Christ Church of Rockville.

Bishop Joyner accepted Christ at age 23 at Bible Way Church in Washington, D.C., under the leadership of Bishop Smallwood E. Williams. In 1970, he was called to serve at Refuge Church in Olney, Maryland, where he faithfully held various roles, including Deacon, Christian Education Director, and Treasurer. In 1974, he was ordained as an Elder. For the next six years, he served as Assistant Pastor and co-hosted the "Hour of Alert" radio broadcast. During Bishop Rufus Settles’ extended international ministry trips, Bishop Joyner served as the acting pastor, demonstrating his shepherd’s heart and unwavering dedication. 

In October 1980, after preaching in place of Bishop Settles at Norbeck Community Church in Silver Spring, MD, Bishop Joyner was invited to serve as their Pastor. With Bishop Settles’ blessing, he accepted. He led the congregation until May 1984, when he was called to plant Christ Church of Rockville. He faithfully pastored Christ Church of Rockville for three decades.

Bishop Joyner became a deeply respected and beloved spiritual leader throughout the Mid-Atlantic region. Renowned for his powerful preaching, prophetic insight, and profound biblical exposition, he touched countless lives through counseling, mentorship, and dynamic speaking engagements. His impact extended beyond the pulpit. He was a trusted guide, a compassionate listener, and a source of wisdom for many. He was especially known for his signature seminar, Training Faithful Men, which equipped and empowered men to walk boldly in their calling. Through his prophetic voice, Bishop Joyner ushered in healing, reconciliation, and restoration to individuals, families, and communities. 

Above all his spiritual gifts, Bishop Joyner was first and foremost a pastor. He provided unwavering spiritual leadership, offering care, compassion, and the heart of a true shepherd to all who needed him. He walked in integrity and humility, remaining committed to being a lifelong learner and a faithful servant. Bishop Joyner truly delighted in caring for those God entrusted to him, tending to the flock with love, wisdom, and grace. His life was a testament to what it means to lead with both strength and gentleness, always pointing others back to Christ. 

Whether you were hospitalized, facing a court date, grieving a loss, navigating marital challenges or dealing with a wayward child, Bishop would go near or far to stand by your side. His presence was a comforting and powerful reminder that no one in his care ever walked alone. 

With unmatched wit, a gift for making others laugh, and a steadfast belief that “all things work together for good to them that love God, to them who are the called according to His purpose,” 

Bishop Joyner brought light and joy into every situation. He reminded us time and time again that God is still in control, forever seated on the throne. 

Bishop Joyner pursued his theological education at several institutions, including Bible Way Training Institute, Washington Bible College, Evangelical Training School, and Liberty University. He later earned a Master of Biblical Studies from Kingdom Builders Biblical Institute (Freedom Bible Colleges & Seminary). 

Bishop Joyner was preceded in death by his beloved wife, Carolyn Joyner; his devoted parents, Deacon Oby and Gladys Joyner; his cherished father and mother-in-law, Mark and Macorida Thorne; his dear brothers, Obie Joyner Jr. and Joseph Earl; and his loving sisters: Alice Jean, Dorothy Marie, Helen Delores, and Patricia Ann. 

He leaves behind a legacy of love and faith, carried on by his children: Tinita Joyner Bethea (James) of Beltsville, MD; Bishop Henry Lee Joyner, Jr. (Carmen) of Laurel, MD; Angela Dunbar (Vincent) of Severn, MD; Katrina Henry of Lanham, MD; and Keith Joyner Sr. (Yvette) of Greenbelt, MD. He is also survived by his treasured grandchildren: Shana Morrison (John), Eben Logan, Brandon Logan (Chuck), LaShawn Henry (Michael), Manesja Ross (DeShay), Keiara Joyner, Keilah Joyner, Kristiana Jordan, Demetrea Joyner, Dyan Dunbar, Angelique Dunbar, Victoria Jordan, Specialist Henry Lee “Michael” Joyner III (Crystal), Caleb Joyner, and Keith Jr., along with ten great-grandchildren.

Also left to cherish his memory is his only surviving sister, Paulette Sharpe (Marvin) of Wilson, NC, and his sisters and brothers-in-law: Annie Lee Hunter (Billy Joe) of Lanham, MD; George Rollins Jr. of Riverdale, MD; James Thorne Sr. (Shirley) of Greensboro, NC; Pastor Emeritus Geralene Thorne Patterson of Hickory, NC; SGT (Retired) Bobby Thorne Sr. (Shirley) of Bailey, NC; Dr. Jerry Thorne (Faye) of Greensboro, NC; Elder Cathy Thorne Bynum (Terry) of Falkland, NC; and SSGT (Retired) Michael Thorne Sr. (Arlene) of Fayetteville, NC.

He is also mourned by a host of nieces, nephews, godchildren, grand-godchildren, spiritual sons and daughters, beloved church family, and countless friends.

A man of incredible work ethic, Bishop Joyner began working alongside his father and siblings in North Carolina’s tobacco fields—a formative experience that laid the groundwork for his tireless dedication throughout his life. He later served as Head Chef for the Marriott Corporation for 17 years before stepping fully into ministry as the Senior Pastor of Christ Church of Rockville. 

Bishop Joyner accepted Christ at age 23 at Bible Way Church in Washington, D.C., under the leadership of Bishop Smallwood E. Williams. In 1970, he was called to serve at Refuge Church in Olney, Maryland, where he faithfully held various roles, including Deacon, Christian Education Director, and Treasurer. In 1974, he was ordained as an Elder. For the next six years, he served as Assistant Pastor and co-hosted the "Hour of Alert" radio broadcast. During Bishop Rufus Settles’ extended international ministry trips, Bishop Joyner served as the acting pastor, demonstrating his shepherd’s heart and unwavering dedication. 

In October 1980, after preaching in place of Bishop Settles at Norbeck Community Church in Silver Spring, MD, Bishop Joyner was invited to serve as their Pastor. With Bishop Settles’ blessing, he accepted. He led the congregation until May 1984, when he was called to plant Christ Church of Rockville. He faithfully pastored Christ Church of Rockville for three decades. 

Bishop Joyner became a deeply respected and beloved spiritual leader throughout the Mid-Atlantic region. Renowned for his powerful preaching, prophetic insight, and profound biblical exposition, he touched countless lives through counseling, mentorship, and dynamic speaking engagements. His impact extended beyond the pulpit. He was a trusted guide, a compassionate listener, and a source of wisdom for many. He was especially known for his signature seminar, Training Faithful Men, which equipped and empowered men to walk boldly in their calling. Through his prophetic voice, Bishop Joyner ushered in healing, reconciliation, and restoration to individuals, families, and communities. 

Above all his spiritual gifts, Bishop Joyner was first and foremost a pastor. He provided unwavering spiritual leadership, offering care, compassion, and the heart of a true shepherd to all who needed him. He walked in integrity and humility, remaining committed to being a lifelong learner and a faithful servant. Bishop Joyner truly delighted in caring for those God entrusted to him, tending to the flock with love, wisdom, and grace. His life was a testament to what it means to lead with both strength and gentleness, always pointing others back to Christ. 

Whether you were hospitalized, facing a court date, grieving a loss, navigating marital challenges or dealing with a wayward child, Bishop would go near or far to stand by your side. His presence was a comforting and powerful reminder that no one in his care ever walked alone. 

With unmatched wit, a gift for making others laugh, and a steadfast belief that “all things work together for good to them that love God, to them who are the called according to His purpose,” 

Bishop Joyner brought light and joy into every situation. He reminded us time and time again that God is still in control, forever seated on the throne. 

Bishop Joyner pursued his theological education at several institutions, including Bible Way Training Institute, Washington Bible College, Evangelical Training School, and Liberty University. He later earned a Master of Biblical Studies from Kingdom Builders Biblical Institute (Freedom Bible Colleges & Seminary). 

Bishop Joyner was preceded in death by his beloved wife, Carolyn Joyner; his devoted parents, Deacon Oby and Gladys Joyner; his cherished father and mother-in-law, Mark and Macorida Thorne; his dear brothers, Obie Joyner Jr. and Joseph Earl; and his loving sisters: Alice Jean, Dorothy Marie, Helen Delores, and Patricia Ann. 

He leaves behind a legacy of love and faith, carried on by his children: Tinita Joyner Bethea (James) of Beltsville, MD; Bishop Henry Lee Joyner, Jr. (Carmen) of Laurel, MD; Angela Dunbar (Vincent) of Severn, MD; Katrina Henry of Lanham, MD; and Keith Joyner Sr. (Yvette) of Greenbelt, MD. He is also survived by his treasured grandchildren: Shana Morrison (John), Eben Logan, Brandon Logan (Chuck), LaShawn Henry (Michael), Manesja Ross (DeShay), Keiara Joyner, Keilah Joyner, Kristiana Jordan, Demetrea Joyner, Dyan Dunbar, Angelique Dunbar, Victoria Jordan, Specialist Henry Lee-Michael Joyner III (Crystal), Caleb Joyner, and Keith Jr., along with ten great-grandchildren. 

Also left to cherish his memory is his only surviving sister, Paulette Sharpe (Marvin) of Wilson, NC, and his sisters and brothers-in-law: Annie Lee Hunter (Billy Joe) of Lanham, MD; George Rollins Jr. of Riverdale, MD; James Thorne Sr. (Shirley) of Greensboro, NC; Pastor Emeritus Geralene Thorne Patterson of Hickory, NC; SGT (Retired) Bobby Thorne Sr. (Shirley) of Bailey, NC; Dr. Jerry Thorne (Faye) of Greensboro, NC; Elder Cathy Thorne Bynum (Terry) of Falkland, NC; and SSGT (Retired) Michael Thorne Sr. (Arlene) of Fayetteville, NC. 

He is also mourned by a host of nieces, nephews, godchildren, grand-godchildren, spiritual sons and daughters, beloved church family, and countless friends. 

Services will be held on Saturday, April 26, 2025. 

Viewing: 9:30 - 11:00 AM 

Celebration of Life: 11:00 AM 

Impact DMV Church 

5335 First Place, NE 

Washington, DC  20011 

Officiating, Pastor George Rollins, III 

Eulogist: Bishop H. Lee Joyner, Jr.