It is with great sadness that we announce the passing of our beloved Nell Dickey Joyner Penner on February 18, 2026, of Millen and Grovetown, Georgia.

Nell was born on June 26, 1938, in the Red Hill Community of Jenkins County. She lived in Millen until 1997 and then moved to the Grovetown/Appling area, while always maintaining a residence in Millen — the town that forever held her heart.

She was born to Dewey and Rhodella Dickey and was the youngest of five children. Her early life as a farm girl shaped the woman she became — grounded and hardworking. Throughout her life, she loved growing flowers and vegetables. Her gardens were more than beautiful spaces; they were expressions of her nurturing spirit and a reflection of her roots.

Nell married Henry V. Joyner and attended Swainsboro Technical School. During their life together, she worked in various positions in Millen, forming lasting friendships wherever she went. She especially loved being part of the Cotton Avenue retail community, managing and working at local businesses over the years. Those who shopped alongside her or worked by her side remember her welcoming genuine interest in others. She held dear the many friendships formed during her time with the Vanity Box and Charm Barn, serving the community she loved so much.

Upon an early retirement, Nell spent most of her time in the Appling/Grovetown area.  She joined several canasta card groups and was a part of the Bowling League in Augusta. She was an active and devoted member of Big Horse Creek Baptist Church, West Millen Baptist Church, Woodlawn Baptist Church and attended Millen Baptist Church in 2023 when she returned to Millen for a few months.  Since 2024, she has resided in Assisted Living Communities in Augusta and Lake Oconee, Georgia.  Her walk with the Lord guided her actions, her kindness, and her unwavering commitment to others. She lived her faith quietly but faithfully.

Her most cherished years were spent supporting her children, Angie and Jeff, in sports, clubs, and school activities. She was present at games, events, and milestones, celebrating every achievement.  As a mother, grandmother and great grandmother, she found joy and enjoyed each visit.

Nell was a master gardener and an accomplished seamstress, creating beauty with her hands and care in every stitch.  She also developed a love of travel, cherishing the fellowship of exploring new places with friends.

Her life touched the hearts of all who knew her through her kindness, generosity, and warm spirit. Nell will be remembered for her unwavering dedication to her family, her friends, and her Lord.

Preceding Nell in death are her parents, Dewey and Rhodella Dickey; her siblings, Leslie (Bubba) Dickey, Dorothy Owens, William (Billy) Dickey, and Ernest Dickey; and her husband, Henry V. Joyner.

Nell is survived by her daughter, Angie Joyner O'Connor (Greg) of Lake Oconee, Georgia; her son, Jeff Joyner (Judy) of Millen, Georgia; her grandchildren, Dr. Chester Joyner of Athens, Georgia; Gregory O'Connor of Cumming, Georgia; Jonathan O'Connor of Greensboro, Georgia; and Bryce Joyner (Skylyn) of Millen, Georgia; and her great-grandson, Kaiden O'Connor of Cumming, Georgia. She was also especially close to her niece, Carolyn Owens Joyner of Millen, and a dear family friend, Teresa Richardson Horne of Grovetown. Each of them carries forward a piece of her love and legacy.

A graveside service to celebrate her life will be held at Millen Cemetery on Sunday, February 22, 2026 at 3 pm. In lieu of flowers, the family asks that donations be made to Millen Baptist Church, 219 N Gray Street, Millen, GA 30442 in Nell's memory.

Officiating the service will be Reverend Tim Fields. Pallbearers for the service will be Ronnie Womack, Robert Jenkins, Tim Frawley, Shane Nesbitt, Darrell Clifton, and Ernie Edwards.

The family would like to express heartfelt gratitude to the staff at The Glen Assisted Living at Lake Oconee and Georgia Hospice Care for their compassionate care and support during her final days. Their kindness brought comfort not only to Nell but to her entire family.

Though our hearts are heavy, we rejoice in the blessing of 87 wonderful years. Nell's legacy lives on in the gardens she planted, the family she nurtured, the friendships she treasured, and the faith she embodied. She will be deeply missed, lovingly remembered, and forever cherished.