Cecil Bernard Joynes, Sr. rode his chariot to Glory on Wednesday , May 3, 2017 at the Heritage Hall Nursing Facility in Nassawadox, Virginia. Cecil, affectionately known as "Red Top" was born in Cape Charles, VA on February 2,1932. He joins his parents, Leon Joynes and Eva Branch; his beloved brothers, John Branch, Leon Joynes, Burley Riley, and Fred Holmes. He also joins the "Queen", his grandmother, Ronnie Harris whom he worshipped and adored. (Thomas Harris)

On March 12, 1954, he married Dorine Scott and from this union seven slimy life forms graced the ocean floor; Lynette M. Joynes, Jacksonville, FL, Cecil Bernard Joynes, Jr. and wife Marlene, Cape Charles, VA, Crystal and Alvin Murray, Jacksonville, FL, James Howard Joynes, Washington, DC, Leon Joynes (deceased), Thomas Jerome Joynes (deceased), Peter Joynes, Hyattsville, MD.

Cecil, a diamond in the rough, was a Jack of many Trades: a carpenter, artist, building manager, janitor, swimming instructor, painter, caterer, dancer, model, and bartender. He was a computer analyst for the Department of Commerce National Atmospheric Administration. He was also a member of the United States Army 557 Infantry Platoon, Army Honor Guard and last but not least Our Father.

He is survived by his sister, Judy Newman of Saugerities, New York, five children, six loving grandchildren; Clayvon Anderson, Chanikaria Joynes (deceased), Emanuel Marshall, III and wife Morgan, Pennsylvania, Monique Marshall and husband Michael Ferguson, Washington, DC, Xabia Joynes, Jessica Joynes, JuJuan Joynes all of Washington, DC. He is also Survived by his loving great grandchildren: Chakharia Joynes, JuJuan Campbell, Anthony Joynes, Renard Joynes, Rio Joynes, Micah Ferguson, Sebastian Joynes, many cousins, other relatives and friends.

Funeral services were conducted one o'clock pm Saturday, May 13, 2017 at Ebenezer A.M.E. Church in Capeville with Rev. Olivia Collins officiating and delivering the eulogy. The interment was in the Cape Charles Community Cemetery.


There was a visitation Friday from 6 to 8 pm at the church. Arrangements were made by Gray's Funeral Home in Cape Charles.