Corajia Elizabeth “Cocoa” Joyner, 24, of Dallas, passed away suddenly on Monday, March 13, 2023 after injuries sustained from an automobile accident.
NOTICE A CHANGE IN VENUE FOR THE FUNERAL SERVICE: Funeral Service Celebrating Her Life: 2PM Saturday, March 25 at Second Baptist Church, 2001 Dallas St., Waco 76704. Burial will follow at Elm Mott Cemetery. For those attending, the family asks all to wear the color ‘pink’ to honor the life of Cocoa.
Visitation: 6 to 8PM Friday, March 24 at Lake Shore Funeral Home
Corajia Elizabeth Joyner was born January 9, 1999 in Dallas.
Corajia Elizabeth “Cocoa” Joyner was born to Arnissa Joyner and Vincent Davis, Sr. on January 9, 1999 in Dallas. She departed this life Monday, March 13, 2023 at the tender age of 24 years, 2 months and 4 days. Cocoa was the youngest of three siblings.
Her formal education began at Mrs. B’s Home School. She went on to attend schools in Cedar Hill ISD and Grand Prairie ISD. Cocoa started early with various accomplishments, including the Star Student Award from Highland Elementary School. She finished in the Top 10% of the Class of 2017 from Cedar Hill High School. She went on to Dallas College’s Mountain View Campus, where she earned an Associate’s Degree in Business Administration. Afterwards, she attended Texas Women’s University in Denton, Texas, where she earned membership in the Phi Theta Kappa Honors Society. Cocoa graduated Cum Laude on May 14, 2022 from TWU with a Bachelor Business Administration, Concentrations: Management and began pursuing a career in Education. Ms. Joyner was a first-year Educator at Byrd Middle School (Duncanville ISD). “Go Panthers!!”
Cocoa was recently accepted to Graduate School at The University of Texas at Arlington. Cocoa had an infectious personality and loved to help people. She volunteered countless hours with several organizations in the DFW area: Emmanuel Fellowship Baptist Church, Dream Weaver Foundation, Dallas County Elections Department, Cook Children’s Medical Center and Hope4Kids. Corajia’s Christian education started from an infant with Emmanuel Fellowship Baptist Church as well as Faith Cumberland CPCA.
Her favorite song was The Temptations’ “My Girl”. Her favorite color was pink. She loved comedy and spending time with friends and family, especially with her only nephew, Alexander Bradshaw.
Her life, love and legacy will live on in cherished memories by her loving family, extended family, friends, classmates, coworkers, students and all others she inspired.
She was preceded in death by her grandparents, Nathaniel Murrell, and Willie and Mamie Davis; aunts, Eleanor Murrell-Jackson, and Laura Murrell; and great grandmother, Lethan Haliburton.
Survivors include her mother, Arnissa (Jude) Amadi; father, Vincent Davis, Sr.; sister, Darrnissa (Gus) Joyner; brother, Christian (Yhanice) Bradshaw; nephew, Alexander Bradshaw; grandmother, Doris Murrell; aunts, Natalie Turner, and Arnetra (Thurman) Watson; uncles, Nathaniel Murrell, Nathan (Sherry) Murrell Sr., Edwin (Patricia) Murrell Sr., and Reginald Jackson; and numerous cousins and other relatives, friends, colleagues and students.
The family would like to acknowledge a special Thank You to Bettie Haliburton, Rose Braziel, Leah Pierson, Alexandra Montgomery, Camryn Frazier, and to the staff at NTICU Medical City of Arlington.
Memorial contributions may be made in memory of Cocoa to Byrd Middle School – Duncanville ISD, Life Gift, or Hope 4 Kids.
“Give The Gift of Life and consider becoming an organ donor.”
Print Obituary & Condolences
Anissa, I am so very sorry for your loss… Cocoa is a special person. I remember the times she would intern here at Cook. I am thinking of you. Love, Julie
Mrs.Arnissa and family my condolences for your loss…keeping you all in my prayers..
We at King of Glory International Church, Waco Texas send our condolences to Minister Vincent Davis and family on the passing of their daughter “Cocoa”. May the peace of God that passes all understanding guard your heart through this bereavement. You are continually in our prayers.
Anissa…our prayers are with you and the family. Take comfort that God makes no mistakes. He will comfort you always.
This is Janiya Mrs Joyner. U always put a smile on my face and was a rlly good teacher to everything and everyone around u. Im sorry this happened to you Im going to always try hard with my assignments just like u pushed me to.
Arnissa and family, I am so sorry for your loss, words cannot describe it. Please know that God is lifting you up. I will pray for peace for your family.
WE love u ms.joyner best teacher ever – makayla from byrd middle school .😢
Sorry for your families loss. Prayers for all of you for strength and healing.
we will miss you so much ms joyner and all of your students i couldnt believe it when one of my friends told me
There’s no way you’re gone Ms. Joyner, you were so cool and I’m forever gonna miss you. I’m so shocked. Rest Easy 🕊️ .
not miss joyner this really made my heart drop when I found out you were gone . you were really chill, and talked to me about coming to school more rest easy u are loved by so many 💝.
Arnissa,
You and your family have my deepest sympathy. May the peace, comfort and love of God surround you during this time of sorrow.
My dear cousin, so sorry for your loss. May God give you comfort and strength now and the days ahead. Lifting you all up in prayer 🙏
This is so sad, i cried my heart out in denial 💗🕊️
Rest easy Ms.Joyner, it’s hard to believe that someone can go so fast and unexpected. I didn’t have you as my teacher but it’s hard to believe that your gone you are loved by so many family, friends, and students but you are in a better place now, much love and prayers for you and your family. Rest Easy Ms.Joyner 🙏❤️
Rest easy Ms.Joyner, it’s hard to believe that someone can go so fast and unexpected. I didn’t have you as my teacher but you are loved by so many family, friends, and students but you are in a better place now, much love and prayers for you and your family. Rest Easy Ms.Joyner 🙏❤️
Ms. Joyner was one of my favorite teachers she did so much for me as a teacher &
Coach she supported me at my basketball games and track meets she also use to buy me food give me rides to the football games and was one of the most loving people you could ever meet rest up easy ms. Joyner will miss you so much !
Psalm 23
The Lord is my shepherd; I shall not want.
He maketh me to lie down in green pastures: he leadeth me beside the still waters.
He restoreth my soul: he leadeth me in the paths of righteousness for his name’s sake.
Yea, though I walk through the valley of the shadow of death, I will fear no evil: for thou art with me; thy rod and thy staff they comfort me.
Thou preparest a table before me in the presence of mine enemies: thou anointest my head with oil; my cup runneth over.
Surely goodness and mercy shall follow me all the days of my life: and I will dwell in the house of the Lord for ever. Arnissa this is my Prayer for you and the Family. Always recite this scripture.
The impact you had on your students speak volumes for the type of educator you were. You were such a loving and helpful individual that took up so much time with the students. THANK YOU for sowing into these young people’s lives on a daily basis. You will truly be missed, and I know they will continue to make you proud! Sleep in Peace Coach Joyner
Hi Arnissa I pray that you feel our prayers for peace and comfort during this difficult time. In reading about Cocoa she sounds like an amazing woman and that is a testament to you and your family. May you hand your sorrow to Father and that the Holy Ghost sustain your spirit.
Ms. Joyner, you were an amazing teacher, I will miss you very much, rest in peace. I am sorry for the loss.
I miss u Ms.Joyner I love u bc u we’re my favorite Teacher in the world and I’ve miss u so much and u need some rest and peace goodbye ms.Joyner for everything what u have helped me and u should’ve stayed for a long live I missed u so much 😭😭😭
Dear Ms Joyner I miss talking to you and seeing you. Your presence will be missed dearly. Ms Joyner you were like a sister I never had!!! I LOVE YOU AND MISS YOU MS JOYNER 🕊️💗
May your soul rest💗🙏🏾
My Dearest Coco:
Disbelief overcomes me. I am still in shock. However, I know God makes no mistakes. I’m grateful to have been a part of your village. You made that so easy. You were a bright star, and always went the extra mile, no questions asked. I’m thankful to have known you. You gave me a gift when I completed my Doctorate. It was a hoodie that says, “she believed she could and she did”. You my dear did everything you set your mind to. I love you and I’ll always hold you in my heart. Fly high my baby. Get your rest. I love you Ms. Arnissa. I’m always a phone call away.
Ms. Joyner was one of my son’s favorite teachers, she pushed him to do well in not just her class, but in all his classes as well. She was a positive role model for her students and with her being a younger teacher, she understood the children she taught. She most definitely left an imprint in everyone she met! Our deepest condolences go out to the family! She will greatly be missed. Thank you for being so great to the children you crossed paths with.
Psalm 61:2-4 King James Version (KJV)
From the end of the earth will I cry unto thee, When my heart is overwhelmed: Lead me to the rock that is higher than I. For thou hast been a shelter for me, and a strong tower from the enemy. I will abide in thy tabernacle for ever: I will trust in the covert of thy wings. Selah.
May God give you peace and comfort during this time. Our prayers are with you.
Arnissa,
I am so sorry for your loss. May the Lord bring peace and comfort during this difficult time. Sending my love.
THE LORD WILL MAKE A WAY SOMEHOW HE WILL.TAKE AWAY YOUR SORROWS LET HIM HAVE YOUR BURDENS NOW,THERE’S A PEACE IN KNOWING THE LORD WILL MAKE A WAY SOMEHOW
LARRYE WEAVER
Dear Mrs Joyner I am sorry for your loss and I miss you some much, rest in peace
The family has my deepest condolences
My daughter Simone had the privilege of attending Dubiski with Cocoa amd they became friends. She was always sweet! Please know you and your family with be in my thoughts and prayers. Praying deeply for your peace and strength in the days to come.
My heart goes out to miss Joyners family.She was a very nice lady and when you asked for her help she would always be there to do the best she could.I appreciate her for always willing to get the task done and to make sure others where okay.
Rest in peace and I am glad your in a peaceful place 🕊️❤️❤️
Student from Byrd Middle School
Ms Joyner was one of the few teacher that would understand what you were going threw we miss you so much ms Joyner and I was looking forward making many more memories with her in 8th grade rest I peace ms Joyner we’re gonna try our best since that’s would you would’ve wanted
My deepest and most sincere condolences goes out to the family of Ms. Joyner. In the short time I got to know Ms Joyner, I feel blessed to have interacted with such a down to earth person and a beautiful soul. She definitely made Byrd Middle School a better place. I pray the Lord comforts your family during this time and may her spirit continue to live on. 🩷🩷🩷🩷🩷
Sending my condolences and prayers to the families. May God comfort you all at this time. Her contributions will always be remembered.
I am so sorry for your loss, Arnissa! Your are such a wonderful lady and I know she had to be like her mother. May God heal this wound and give you strength through the days to come.
Almost a year without you missing you alot rn ms joyner💗 still trying to wear pink every friday even though im at kennemer. i still think about you alot love you and miss you lotts-skai💗🥰