Carolyn Houglin Joiner

Carolyn Houglin Joiner Age 89, passed away on October 16, 2023 in Pittsburgh.

Born on October 1, 1934, Wilmore, Kentucky, Carolyn was the daughter of the late Aaron Douglas Houglin and Florence Thompson Houglin, and the loving wife of the late Pastor Donald James Joiner.

Carolyn was the devoted mother to the late Douglas Joiner and is survived by three daughters; Donalyn Selinsky (E. Charles) of Pittsburgh, PA, Betty Cavett (Rob) of Gilbertsville, PA, Leah Downs (Michael) of Falls Church, VA; sister-in-law, Norma Joiner and Noreen Lyne of Washington, DC; and many nieces and nephews she adored.

She was the loving grandmother to seven grandchildren:Wayne, Ashley, Alene, Peter Don, Jacob, William, and Zachary; and three great grandchildren: Nelson, Traiden,and Preston.

Carolyn was a life-long lover of music and accomplished pianist and organist. She attended Asbury College in Wilmore, Kentucky, and is a graduate of Chatham College in Pittsburgh, PA.  She shared her spiritual gifts alongside her dear husband Donald Joiner.  For 42 years, they served the Lord Jesus Christ at four United Methodist churches and made significant contributions to each of those communities.

Carolyn left her loving imprint on the lives of many congregants and played the organ and piano at every church service.  She had a strong faith that impacted many.  She was passionate about sharing Jesus Christ with anyone who would listen.  She had a tender heart, especially for women who were hurting and needed a friend.  She was a spiritual mother to many.  She never tired of sharing the power of intercessory prayer.  Carolyn once said, “No other friendship is more important to me than the friendship I’ve had with Jesus Christ across the years.”

In lieu of flowers, donations in Carolyn’s memory by check can be mailed to:

Asbury University
1 Macklem Dr.
Wilmore, Ky 40390

Designation on check: “Houglin Joiner Memorial Endowed Scholarship”

Giving online:  www.Asbury.edu/give, choose “Other”designation: “Houglin Joiner Memorial Endowed Scholarship”

Notes may be mailed  to Carolyn Joiner’s family at 105 Bunker Hill Drive, McMurray, PA 15317 or emailed to djcjlake@gmail.com.

Memorial Services are planned after January 1st, 2024, and interment will follow at Garrett–Hillcrest in Waynesville, NC.