Baton Rouge, Louisiana - Dr. Myrtly Ricard Joyner, 85, was born in Chenal(now Rougon) Louisiana, and died in Baton Rouge on April 16, 2026. She was a graduate of Southern University Laboratory School(Class of 1956), and Southern University where she reigned as Miss Southern , 1959-60. She was awarded two HEW fellowships for graduate study and received a master's degree from Xavier University of Louisiana and doctorate from Kansas State University. She began her teaching career in East Baton Rouge Parish and continued in Somerset, New Jersey, Southern University and, upon retirement, Baton Rouge Community College. She is survived by her children, Melody Johnson Patton and Jimmie Joyner,III; her grandchildren, Devin and Damien Patton; two great-grandchildren Kalayah and Nallah Patton; her sister, Natalie Ricard, and many friends, nieces, nephews and sorors. She was preceded in death by her son, Celwyn Blaise Johnson, her parents, Joseph W. Ricard and Melodie Amar Ricard, her sister Ray Helen Temple and her brother, MacFarland Ricard.

At Her request, her body has been donated to science. A Eucharistic Mass will be held at St.Thomas More Catholic Church, 11441 Goodwood Drive on May 1, at 10;00 am, officiated by Deacon Paul Soileau. The Ivy Beyond the Wall ceremony, conducted by Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority members will be held at 9:00 am