Juanita Cortijo Joyner

November 22, 1933 – April 30, 2025

Juanita Cortijo Joyner, 91, of Virginia Beach, Virginia, passed away peacefully on April 30, 2025, at 5:00 a.m., surrounded by her loving family.

Born in Cádiz, Spain, Juanita was the beloved daughter of Juan Cortijo and Rosario Morilla. She grew alongside her sister and brothers: Paco, Rosario, and Pepe in the rural town on San José del Valle. In 1968, she moved to the United States to begin a new life with her husband, Thomas Frederick Joyner, and their children. They settled in Chesapeake, Virginia, where Juanita built a life centered on family, resilience, and love.

Widowed in 1977, Juanita preserved the difficulties raising her children—Maria Cortijo, Eduardo Joyner, Marta Joyner, and Sandra Joyner—on her own, all while navigating a new culture and language. With strength, grace, and quiet determination, she created a home filled with care and unwavering devotion.

Around 1990, once her children had grown, she moved to Virginia Beach, where she continued to serve as the heart of the family, helping to raise her grandchildren and passing on her love, wisdom, and deep sense of tradition. Her home was always open, her table always full, and her presence a source of comfort and strength.

For the past six years, Juanita bravely battled dementia, and even as her memory faded her fire and strong spirit remained. She leaves behind a legacy of resilience, kindness, and deep love that will live on in the hearts of those who knew her.

Details for a memorial service will be shared with family and friends.