Juanita Joyner

Juanita Mildred Cox-Joyner affectionally known as “Neet” was born to William Cox and Elenor Lockhart-Cox in Baltimore, Maryland on October 28, 1947. She peacefully departed this life on Monday, February 24, 2025.

Juanita was born in Baltimore, Maryland. Her parents relocated to Princeton, New Jersey when she was three years old. Juanita was raised in Princeton and along with her parents, she was among many of her aunts, uncles, cousins and others that would become life-long friends. She attended and graduated from Princeton High School where she excelled academically and skipped the 8th grade. Juanita was very instrumental in raising her brother who is ten years younger. As a teenager, she would take her brother everywhere with her. In “town” everyone knew that wherever Juanita was, her brother David would be right by her side; no adds, ifs or buts about it. Juanita was very proud of her Princeton roots, and she maintained life-long friendships that she immensely adored and would regularly keep in touch with.

May of 1967, Juanita married the love of her life, the late Robert S. Joyner. They welcomed two children, Tracie and Robert (Scott). She and her family resided in Trenton, New Jersey for over 50 years. She held employment at Kepner Trigoe, Princeton University and retired as the Trenton City Clerk.

Juanita was an avid bowler and played in many leagues at Colonial Bowling Ally, Lawrenceville, NJ and Curtis Bowling Lanes, Ewing, NJ. She enjoyed watching westerns and intellectual game shows. Juanita was always available and willing to help anyone achieve their endeavors. She was a woman of many words and had no problem expressing herself for the good or bad. She was a strong, resourceful and independent person that always had a smile and caring touch. She always enjoyed herself and looked forward to spending time with her family in Baltimore, North Carolina and New Jersey.

Juanita was very active in the Trenton community for several years. In the mid-70’s, Juanita along with other members of the community was a founding member of the Urban League Guild Metropolitan, Trenton Chapter. This would embark Juanita’s 35 years journey of local and county community service. Within this span of years, an esteemed resident of the Garden State, Juanita compiled an impressive record of service to her fellow citizens, which included her efforts as Director of Community Outreach and Site Remediation with Isles Inc.; Director of Isles Inc.-Trenton YouthBuild Education and Job Training Program, and renowned as a champion of education with two Master Degrees, Juanita distinguished herself as a member of the Trenton Board of Education for eight years, President of the Mercer County Board of Associations for four years, City of Trenton Canal Banks Advisory Board, Trenton Chapter of the NAACP,  Hand on Helpers, and as a co-founder and past President of the Samuel DeWitt Proctor Academy, which was the first open-enrollment residential charter school in the nation. Her level of public-spiritness was made evident by her active participation and involvement in a myriad of civic and charitable endeavors such as the Trenton Area Congressional for Change, Habitat for Humanity, the East Ward Community Association, and the Urban League of Metropolitan Trenton, Top Ladies of Distinction Inc., Trenton Chapter, Notary Public, Wedding Coordinator, Red Haters Princeton Chapter.

1998 Recipient of Community Service Award (Urban League Guild of Metropolitan Trenton), 1999 Recipient of the Community Service Freedom Fund Award (NAACP), 2001 Award for Outstanding Professional accomplishments and volunteer activities within the community – at –large (Top Ladies of Distinction, Inc., Trenton Chapter) and many additional accolades.

In 1994 Juanita ran for councilman-at-large. She did not win the seat but it did not stop her from reaching higher goals and achievements. In 2007 Juanita was elected Trenton City Clerk becoming the first black person to hold the position of clerk in the city of Trenton. 

A woman of faith, Juanita was also extremely active in her church serving on several ministries: Trustee Board, Missionary Board, Church Newsletter and faithful member.

She was a blessed woman, a great wife and mother, a champion of education and a community service leader.

Predeceased by her husband of 57 years, Robert S. Joyner; her father William Cox; and her mother Elenor Lockhart-Cox. She leaves to mourn her passing her daughter Tracie Emanuel (Anthony); son Robert (Scott) Joyner; grandsons Ryjahn Joyner, Jarren Leach, Jameel Emanuel; great-granddaughter Autumn Leach, great-grandson Jarren Leach, Jr.; brother David Cox; special niece Devon V. Cox-Hines; sisters-in-law Katherine Miles, Martha Moore (Willie), Minnieola Gainey (Nate), Sandra Smith (James), Doris Mottley (David); brother-in laws Rubin Joyner (Phyllis) and James Bass; a host of nieces, nephews, cousins, other relatives and friends.

As we bid farewell to Juanita let us celebrate the extraordinary life she had and the profound impact she had on the life of those around her, may her soul find eternal peace in GOD Almighty.

GOD BLESS YOU (centered)

The nicest place to be is in someone’s thoughts.

The safest place to be is in someone’s prayers,

And the very best place to be is…

IN THE HANDS OF GOD.

Funeral service will be 11am Wednesday, March 5, 2025 at Friendship Baptist Church,111 Perry St, Trenton, NJ 08618 . Calling hour will be 10am until the time of service. Interment will be at Ewing Church Cemetery, Ewing, NJ.

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