Curtis Wayne Joynes departed this life and went home to be with the Lord on September 6, 2026. He was born on August 29, 1951, to the late Herman Shepherd and Dorothy Joynes McKinney.

Curtis attended Bridgeton Public Schools and Taunton High in Taunton, Massachusetts. He married the love of his life, Carolyn Branch.

Curtis was a member of Glory Tabernacle Church in Bridgeton, New Jersey, where he sang on the Men’s Choir and served on the Welcome Committee.

Curtis worked for Leon Stotter Company and Amity Heights Villas for 20 years.

Curtis loved to sing, and he performed in many venues while living in Taunton, Massachusetts, going by the name Stick Shift. He appeared on TV talent shows such as the Ted Mack Amateur Hour and more.

Curtis, a gentle soul, truly loved his family, always checking up on everyone and lending a helping hand when needed. Curtis would always sing his signature songs, “It’s So Hard to Say Goodbye to Yesterday” and “Lean on Me,” to comfort loved ones.

Curtis is survived by his wife, Carolyn B. Joynes; sister-in-law, Dorothy McKinney, Taunton, Mass.; daughter-in-law, Davada Lewis Dillon, South Carolina; brother-in-law, Leroy Watson of North Carolina; two sisters, Doreen Dean of Port Norris, New Jersey, and Barbara Jones of Philadelphia, PA; 7 grandchildren, Justin Berry, Navada Berry, Marvin Lewis Jr., Marquan Lewis, Davion Lewis, Treyvon Lewis; special aunts, Fannie Johnson, Camden, New Jersey, Maxine Johnson, Vineland, New Jersey, Terri Logan, Bridgeton, New Jersey; and uncle, Howard Joynes of Pittsgrove Township. A host of cousins, other family, and friends.

Curtis was predeceased by his son, Marvin Lewis, Sr.; brothers, Albert McKinney Jr., Robert Shepherd, and Carmen Bryant; sister, Brenda Dean; and stepfather, Albert McKinney Senior.