Hillard Newsom Joyner

Hillard Newsom Joyner, age 89, resident of Tupelo, Mississippi, passed away on March 24, 2026, at North Mississippi Medical Center in Tupelo, Mississippi.

He was born on July 2, 1936, in Moscow, Tennessee, to Cleveland Richard Joyner and James Zethra Woodard Joyner. Hillard dedicated 46 years of his life working as a factory worker for Leggett & Plat, retiring in 2000.

In 1979, he married Laura “Leola” Joyner, and they shared 37 happy years of marriage. Hillard had a deep appreciation for auctions and collecting antiques, knives, 45 records, and all things cast-iron. He also loved gospel and country music. Above all, he cherished time spent with his family, especially with his precious wife, Leola.

He is survived by his three daughters, Brenda Bowen of Hernando, Mississippi, Rita Harlow of Tupelo, Mississippi, and Tina Byrd of Nesbit, Mississippi; three sons, Jerry Perrigo of Holly Springs, Mississippi, Mickey Joyner, Sr. of Tupelo, Mississippi, and Johnny Perrigo of Horn Lake, Mississippi; seventeen grandchildren; twenty-seven great-grandchildren; and four great-great-grandchildren.

He was preceded in death by his wife, Laura “Leola” Joyner; two sons, Robert “Bubba” Cleveland and Donald Perrigo, Sr.; his parents, Cleveland and Zethra Joyner; three sisters, Gussie Spicer, Bertha Bobbitt, and Birdie Bobbitt; six brothers, Wilbur Joyner, Morris Lee Joyner, Henry Joyner, Vance Joyner, Herschel Joyner, and Willard Joyner; and four grandchildren, Amy Perrigo, Crystal Edwards, Brian Pitts, and Bobby Pitts.

Services for Mr. Joyner will be held on Monday, March 30, 2026, at 12:00 PM at Peebles Main Chapel in Somerville, Tennessee. Visitation will be from 10:00 AM until the time of service. Interment will follow at Ebenezer Cemetery in Somerville, Tennessee.

In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to the Ebenezer Cemetery Fund.

Hillard will be deeply missed by all who knew and loved him.