Born in Newberry, South Carolina, Joyner received a Bachelor of Science degree from Central State University in Ohio in 1971 and a Juris Doctor from Howard University School of Law in 1974.
He also attended the National Judicial College at University of Nevada at Reno.
He was a legal publications specialist, United States Office of the Federal Register, Washington, D.C. from 1974 to 1975.
He was a judge on the Court of Common Pleas, 15th Judicial District, Chester County, Pennsylvania from 1987 to 1992.
[2] On November 5, 1991, Joyner was nominated by President George H. W. Bush to a new seat on the United States District Court for the Eastern District of Pennsylvania created by 104 Stat.