WHEREAS, William H. Joyner, Ed.D., an esteemed educator and education administrator and a beloved member of the Richmond community, died on April 1, 2024; and

WHEREAS, affectionately known by his friends as "Bus," William Joyner graduated from Armstrong High School in Richmond, where he was a standout both in the band and choir and on the football team; and

WHEREAS, William Joyner furthered his education by earning a bachelor's degree in elementary education from Johnson C. Smith University and continued to excel both athletically and musically on the school's football and track teams and in its band and choir; and

WHEREAS, for 36 years, William Joyner served as a teacher, coach, and school administrator in the Richmond Public Schools system, working tirelessly to ensure the academic, social, and emotional well-being of his students and the success of his colleagues; and

WHEREAS, during his career, William Joyner honed his abilities as an educator by acquiring a master's degree in education from Virginia Commonwealth University in 1973 and a doctoral degree in educational leadership from Nova Southeastern University in 1991; and

WHEREAS, William Joyner continued to cultivate his passion for music and sports beyond school as a member of the semi-professional football team the Richmond Rebels and as one of the lead singers of Richmond's Celebration Male Chorus; and

WHEREAS, during his tenure as head football coach at the former John F. Kennedy High School in Richmond, William Joyner led his newly formed team to three championships in five years, earning high school coach of the year honors from the Touchdown Club of Richmond; and

WHEREAS, William Joyner received a number of honors over the years in recognition of his accomplishments in service to others, including awards from Johnson C. Smith University and Kappa Alpha Psi Fraternity, Inc.; and

WHEREAS, William Joyner gave generously of his time to his community as a member of the Theban Beneficial Club, Club 533, and ChildSavers and as a former board member of his local YMCA and supported his fellow educators as a member of what was formerly the Richmond Teachers Credit Union and various other professional organizations; and

WHEREAS, William Joyner enjoyed worship and fellowship with his community at 31st Street Baptist Church of Richmond since his youth and served the church for many years as a devoted trustee, ultimately acquiring the honorable title of trustee emeritus; and

WHEREAS, William Joyner will be fondly remembered and dearly missed by his loving wife of 60 years, Jacquelyn; his sister, Carlise, and her family; and numerous other family members and friends; now, therefore, be it

RESOLVED, That the House of Delegates hereby note with great sadness the loss of William H. Joyner, Ed.D., a treasured member of the Richmond community whose service and dedication made an impact on countless lives; and, be it

RESOLVED FURTHER, That the Clerk of the House of Delegates prepare a copy of this resolution for presentation to the family of William H. Joyner, Ed.D., as an expression of the House of Delegates' respect for his memory.