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Helping hands

In lieu of flowers

Please consider a donation to Help with expenses.

Personal note from Jessica Dumas

Thank you so much to everyone visiting this page. We will miss Lorissa tremendously and would love to have you share your favorite memories of her on this website. Below is a poem I wrote to her a few years ago that tells you a little about her.

Miss Loriss, the Tigress
You may think we don’t miss your scurrying around with constant bursts of loud boisterous guffaw.
It’s true we love a day or two of peace, but you mean much more to us than a cook or maid that cleans.
Whether it’s because you have a great idea or want to give lots of chatter from your beautiful jaw,
Or because those demons of the past wake you with horrible night terrors as we hear your screams,
We love you and want you to see how much we admire your strength and endurance, dear Lorissa.
Walt says it’s because you’re built like a brick outhouse that you have the strength of cement beams,
But we know your strength comes from above & your love for God is clear when you say, “Praise Jah!”
You’re like a Siberian Tigress who cared for her cubs’ needs in their early years by whatever means.
Now that they’re grown & not so needy, you keep seeking to comfort others whom God may draw.
Your empty den syndrome came too early sending you down a long hard road of painful scenes.
But it wasn’t your fault—it was caused by the demons of sin that not even God foresaw.
You tried your best to teach your cubs about courage and strength to survive the world’s schemes.
I remember you as a 3-yr kid who rode her trike down a country road, not listening to mother’s law.
Little did we know that it would help you years later to develop resilience and courageous routines.
Then came the incident and your parents parting as you blamed yourself, leading you to withdraw.
With many years of short visits and separation anxiety away from your mom and all the in-betweens,
You never forgot who loved you most even when told not to speak of her or get beatings by your Pa.
Then years of suffering from more insecure men and losing your 4 cubs was far from your dreams.
God wasn’t ignoring your pleas--He allowed it to build your endurance until you could see with awe,
That when you serve him first, his blessings are beyond your imagination to give you hopeful gleams.
You can still be momma Tigress from afar watching your cubs grow even if they say, “Ha!”
When they have children, they may understand how you’ve endured painful extremes.
Remember tribulation brings endurance—without it you have no hope—with hope there is no flaw.
Strength can be learned from experience, but endurance comes from trials and tribulations.
Written especially for my daughter, Lorissa, with all my love, Jessica Dumas, Your Ma.

Updates

Update from April 20, 2026

Many members of the local Black Canyon City congregation of Jehovah's Witnesses sent many condolences and brought food to Lorissa's mother and brother for a week. Their loving actions were a big help to Lorissa's family.

Obituary

Lorissa Ann Joyner died unexpectedly on June 17, 2023, at the age of 53 at her home in Black Canyon City, AZ. The exact cause has not been determined yet, but she had many health problems.

Lorissa was born to Jessica and Samuel Joyner in Stillwater, Minnesota, on January 15, 1970. She spent most of her childhood in the Twin Cities area of Minnesota and in Gardena, California. She was 18 when she moved to …

Event details

Memorial events are private

Lorissa's family has decided to have a private service with close family members only. This site will be available for several months to anyone who wants to share memories or condolences. We appreciate everyone who has shown support.

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Memories & condolences

Lorissa looked forward to summer vacations during her grade school days so she could spend time with her Uncle Cass and…
Lorissa looked forward to summer vacations during her grade school days so she could spend time wit…
Lorissa looked forward to summer vacations during her grade scho…

Community Involvement

Church

Attendee of

Kingdom Hall of Jehovah's Witnesses

Favorites

What were Lorissa's favorite vacation spots?
Malibu, California beach
Malibu, California beach
Malibu, California beach
What were Lorissa's favorite performances to watch?
Olympics, Packer football
Olympics, Packer football
Olympics, Packer football
What were Lorissa's favorite ways to spend free time?
Exploring woods and streams with her girls
Exploring woods and streams with her girls
Exploring woods and streams with her girls
What were Lorissa's favorite games to play?
Black Jack and Packman
Black Jack and Packman
Black Jack and Packman

Timeline

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Born

January 15th, 1970
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Moved

1973
Burbank, CA
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Moved

1976
St Paul, MN

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Other key details

Cause of death

Organ failure

Method of disposition

Cremation

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Lorissa "Lori or Rissa" Joyner