Bess Joyner

Bessie Ann Joyner, a pillar in the Warsaw community and leader in the movie industry, passed away peacefully on Monday, Nov. 25, 2024, surrounded by her loving family on the Feast Day of the Great Martyr Katherine.

Born in 1934 in Anderson, Bessie was the daughter of Nicholas and Martha Mallers, who built the beloved Lake Theater and Warsaw Drive-In Theater, bringing joy to countless families for decades. Bessie, together with her beloved late husband, Samuel Joyner, followed in her family’s footsteps, co-founding North Pointe Cinemas in Warsaw. The cinema continues to thrive to this day.

Bessie’s passion for entertainment extended beyond Warsaw. She served on the board of the National Theater Owners Association, traveling extensively to attend industry conventions and seminars. Her dedication helped shape the future of movie theaters across the country.

Before her foray into cinema ownership, Bessie earned a degree in radio and television from Northwestern University (1956), in Evanston, Ill. She then worked in Chicago as an actress, making commercials and captivating audiences with her voice-over work. During her tenure at Northwestern, she was a proud member of the Pi Beta Phi Sorority.

Bessie’s faith was central to her life. A founding member of the Steel Magnolias Bible Study, she cherished the deep friendships nurtured over several decades. She actively participated in MOPS (Mentoring Moms of Preschoolers), a program dedicated to connecting mothers with God, their families and each other. Bessie and her late husband, Samuel, were also members of the Evangelical Presbyterian Church for many years. For the last 20 years, Bessie has been a member of the Greek Orthodox Church.

Bessie’s greatest love was her family. Spending time with her children, grandchildren and great-grandchildren filled her heart with incredible joy and was what mattered most to her.

Bessie is survived by her son, Nicholas Joyner, and daughters, Catherine (John) Diveris and Cynthia Joyner; as well as by her sister, Catherine Reinking; her grandchildren, Mari (Brian) McMullen and Despina (Freddy) Ellis; her great-grandchildren, Samuel and Theodora; and many beloved nieces and nephews.

We will miss you, Mom. May your memory be eternal.

Titus Funeral Home, 2000 Sheridan St., Warsaw, is caring for the family. Bessie’s funeral service will be held at 11 a.m. Monday, Dec. 2, in the funeral home, with the Rev. Matthew Wade of St. Mary’s Orthodox Church, of Goshen, and the Rev. Jim Greanias of St. Iakovos Greek Orthodox Church, of Valparaiso, officiating. Visitation will be from 10-11 a.m. prior to her funeral. Burial will follow at Oakwood Cemetery.

In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to the St. Mary’s Orthodox Church, 65159 CR 33, Goshen, IN 46528.

To leave a condolence, please visit TitusFuneralHome.com.