Michael Joynes

MICHAEL DEMETRIUS JOYNES, the 5th of 7 children of the late Frances and Robert was born on June 5, 1957 in Baltimore, Maryland. Time surrendered to the eternal purpose of God and after a brief illness. he was called home to the Lord on March 12, 2019.

Michael, affectionately known as "Meat," received his education at New York City Public Schools and later at Dunbar High School in Baltimore, MD. In November of 1974, he enlisted and served in the United States Army where he was honorably discharged after 2 years during the Viet Nam era. Meat was a self-made entrepreneur and worked in the wholesale merchandise industry, making frequent trips to New York and Cowtown New Jersey to purchase items for resale to his customer base in Baltimore. he later worked at Rockland Industries, a textile manufacturer, where he earned the position as supervisor.

Michael accepted the Lord Jesus Christ as his savior later in life and was a member of Saint Paul Baptist Church in Baltimore, Maryland. He attended Bible study sessions with family and was known to have thought-provoking questions about salvation and biblical references.

Michael loved to laugh, regardless of how difficult life could be at times. He would even laugh at himself. He also enjoyed being around family and was his happiest at family functions like parties, cookouts and family dinners. Meat loved to eat. it was not odd to find him at one of his favorite restaurants, Golden Corral and McDonald's on Broadway. On Veterans Day, he would frequent a host of restaurants including McCormick & Schmick's as an annual celebration of his service to the United States. He was well-known throughout the Monument Street corridor and could be found in the Northeast Market talking, laughing and reminiscing with friends. Meat also enjoyed fishing and went on frequent fishing trips with friends and family.

In 1976, Michael met Diane and from this union gave birth to his only daughter, Kamonta. He was so proud of his daughter and always spoke highly of her.

Michael was an uncle and friend to many people-relatives and non-relatives. He was preceded in death by his brother and sisters, Frances Jean, Paul Jerna and Robin Vanessa. He is survived by his sisters, Barbara (Sheppard), Bronita and Zina (Michael), his brother Lewis and his daughter Kamonta; two grandchildren Eireonna and Aniyah, his aunt, Annie, a host of nieces, nephews, relatives and devoted friends, including his favorite niece, Nessie and his good friends Michael, Gary, Beatrice, Debbie, Darlene, as well as his brother-in-laws,Earl "Puddin" and Monroe.