- Date Of Birth: September 11, 1997
- Date Of Death: July 14, 2020
- State: Idaho
Whitney Koure Kirkeby Joyner, 22, passed away on July 14, 2020 at her home in Meridian Idaho.
Whitney was born in La Grande Oregon on September 11, 1997 and was raised by her mother Jennifer (Kirkeby) Krause, her grandparents, Steve and Verla Kirkeby and her Father Wayne Joyner. When Whitney was 3 years old, she moved to the Boise area. Whitney graduated from Caldwell High School where she played basketball and made many friends. After graduating high school Whitney spent a short time living in Corvallis Oregon with her Aunt Stephanie and her family while attending Linn Benton Community college. Whitney decided she wanted to go to Cosmetology school and attended Idaho State University in Pocatello. While Whitney was there, she, being an introvert had a difficult time making friends, and being rather ambitious she joined Tri Sigma. One of this sorority’s purposes was to establish bonds of friendships, develop strong womanly character, and to impress upon their members high standards of conduct. Whitney participated in several charitable events planned by the sorority. Besides making many friends, Whitney received an award from the Greek Counsel for the highest Chapter GPA Sigma, Sigma, Sigma. After a checkup It was discovered that Whitney had a rare form of cancer. Whitney was also an incredibly determined young woman with many dreams for her future, so she decided that she would have a positive attitude, and not be defined by her diagnosis of cancer. After many treatments Whitney’s cancer went in to remission, and she enjoyed a year of what she called “Normal” life again. Just when Whitney was getting ready to return to Cosmetology school to get her certification, the cancer returned. Whitney was given 4 more months with her family and friends.
Anyone that knew Whitney enjoyed her straight-faced sense of humor that occasionally was tinged with sarcasm. Whitney was outspoken and communicated in an open way with everyone she met. Whitney loved to shop, especially for beauty products as she explored new techniques to practice cosmetology. Whitney also had a passion for fashion, as observed when looking in her closet. Whitney would like to be remembered for the love and loyalty she had for her friends and family and her faith in Jesus Christ. Whitney was baptized recently while on her dream vacation and considered herself a member of Valley Fellowship in La Grande.
Whitney is survived by her Mother, Jennifer Krause and husband Ken; her Father, Wayne Joyner and wife Debbie; brother, Alijah Joyner; grandparents, Steve and Verla Kirkeby; Aunts, Courtney Kirkeby and Stephanie Raleigh, stepbrothers, step sisters and cousins. Whitney was preceded in death by her great grandparents, Glen and Iris Kirkeby, Verlee and Ken Jones and grandparents, Henry and Dollie Joyner.
