Beloved mother, sister, mother-in-law, step grandmother, and friend to whomever she met. Liz E. Joyner, 75, of Oklahoma City, passed away on July 25, 2026. She was a devout homemaker who had an open mind and was generous to others. Mrs. Joyner did not know a stranger, and she loved her whole family, which includes family or origin, immediate family, and extended family as well; to her everyone was family. She enjoyed hanging out with her daughter and son as well as celebrating birthdays of all family members, including herself.

She was born in Baltimore, Maryland on December 17, 1950, to William A. Vaughn and Maude S. Vaughn. Liz was known for her feisty nature at school as she did not back from anybody who tried to bully her. Lono and her sister Wilhelmina were 11 months apart and they spent a lot of quality time together. Aunt Wilma said she felt like she lost her best friend when her sister got married. She also hung out with her friend Stephanie McDaniels who stayed down the block from her. Lono attended Dundalk Senior High in Baltimore as she really liked school; when she thought she was going to miss the bus, she would get upset.

Mom was a good storyteller about her past. She would give excellent details about the events of her childhood and adulthood. She also enjoyed her daytime dramas.

Lono met the love of their life, Alexander Joyner, 1970, in Baltimore. Excited to start their new lives together, the two were married December 19, 1970. She then became an Army wife as they traveled to various states until he was honorably discharged and transitioned to the FAA and moved to the state of Oklahoma. Mom would tell stories about their home and party life, and the times when they had to rescue family members from sticky situations.

Liz and Alexnder could not wait to start their family as William Alexander Joyner was born January 13, 1972, which was the same night Sanford and Son first aired; mom said that as soon as Alex saw that his first born was okay, he went home and watched the premiere. Steven Lamont Joyner was born May 11, 1976, and Stevie was named after Stevie Wonder and of course Lamont from Sanford and Son. Finally, was Elizabeth Andrea Joyner who was named after her mom and notably was the only Joyner born in our great state of Oklahoma. However, she is the most creative out of the three and was very close to her mother. Lono loved going to graduations, movies and spending holidays with her family.

Lono loved going to birthday celebrations with her extended relatives which includes her daughter-in-law, step-grandchildren, and additional family and friends. Her favorite role at these events was social butterfly and storyteller. She enjoyed the name “GO” but her youngest step grand child really called her an “OG” because of her adventures when she was in school.

Liz had a soft spot for her soft and furry friends, which included stuff animals and pets. She loved taking care of and spending time with her pets Mikey who is a dog she rescued and Omar who was the last of the litter from Tinker Bell who was also a rescue pet.

Liz made a couple of friends in her neighbor as she would talk about visiting her friends Gene and Richard that lived across the street, May and Naomi and they also lived across the street from her. One friend she had outside of her neighborhood was Nancy Barnett who was also family to her. She was very fond of Nancy Barnett and loved to visit with her as they would often talk about family. Mom also took a liking to Nancy’s nephew, Caleb, as she would always ask about him.

Liz was passionate about her role as a homemaker as took very good care of us, making sure we got off to school and did our homework afterwards. She would cook great meals as she makes the best scrambled eggs with cheese. Mom would also catch up on the stories once we got home. She was also a devoted wife for 39 years until Alex passed.

Lono visited church with her sister as they would attend L.A.M.B. (Living Abundant Manifested Blessing Ministries). She liked to sing and made herself very much at home at the place of worship. Her favorite song was testimonial from Charlie Wilson entitled I’m Blessed.

Mom did not have any hobbies, but she enjoyed watching movies and TVs with her children. She also loved putting up Christmas decorations on their house.

Liz will always be remembered for not only her kindness but also for her ability to dance and sing. She loved listening to and singing R & B songs such as Soul of a Woman by Jonny Gill and of gospel songs Jesus loves me, Blessed assurance, and It’s a Highway to Heaven. And yes, mom also loved the queen of soul Aretha Franklin. She is also known for the phrase “Who does that?” and “Chello”. Mom could not help to augh and smile as her smile will always to be remembered.

Lono is preceded in death by Maude S. Vaughn, William A. Vaughn, Alexander Joyner, and Steven L. Joyner. 

She is survived by her children William A. Joyner, Elizabeth A. J. Joyner, her daughter-in-law Candice J. Joyner, her step grandchildren Cim K. Barnett, Cory A. Barnett, and Cameron J. Barnett, her sister Wilhelmina Foley, her nephew James A. Foley, niece Marilena A. Neal, and youngest Nephew Michael A. Neal.