Melva Strom Whatley Joiner, 76, passed away on January 12, 2024, at Baptist South Hospital under Hospice care in Jacksonville, FL.

Born on May 11, 1947, in McCormick County, South Carolina, she was a daughter of the late James Melvin Strom Sr and Bernice White Strom. Melva graduated from McCormick High School and Lander College in Greenwood, SC with an ADN degree in Nursing. She retired after actively working as a registered nurse for 50 years. Melva last worked as a catastrophic case manager. Her passions were helping others and traveling.

Melva is survived by her husband, David Eugene Joiner; three sisters, Martha Strom Huey, Sudie Strom Stansell and Lucy Strom Ruple; her son, Russell Whatley (Michelle) and grandchildren Colin Whatley, Lauren Whatley, Landis Whatley and Murray Flowers; cousins, Jennifer Savitz (Steve), Merrill Wilkie (Rosemary), Nora Wolfe (Lyn), Jan Parnell; nieces and several nephews. Melva had many loving friendships including a cherished lifelong friend in Linda Thomas.

Melva is preceded in death by her parents, James Melvin Strom Sr. and Bernice White Strom; sons James "Jay" Wilber Whatley III, Samuel Corey Whatley; and brother James Melvin Strom Jr. and his family, Robin (wife), Brittney and Bradley.

A celebration of life will be held at 2pm on Thursday, January 18, 2024, at McCormick First Baptist Church. Burial will follow in Overbrook Cemetery.

The family will receive friends before the service at the church from 1-2 pm.

In lieu of flowers, memorials may be sent to Camp Brittney Ministries, 305 Johnston Road, Ninety-Six, SC 29666. Camp Brittney is a Christian camp in Costa Rica that was established in her niece Brittney's memory after her death.