Lemuel Joyner

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Lemuel Joyner, 97, of South Bend died peacefully at home on January 17, 2026. Lem was loved dearly by his family, friends, and community members, all of whom experienced Lem’s warmth, generosity, and kindness.

Born in Nashville, Tennessee, Lem came to South Bend in 1951 as a freshman at the University of Notre Dame. His professor, Anthony Lauck, helped him to develop his talents in ceramics. He went to school full-time as an art major and worked full-time to support his family and pay his tuition. He graduated from Notre Dame in 1957 with a B.F.A. After graduation, Lem took a position with St. Christopher’s Workshop as a designer of church furnishings using media such as stained glass, marble, enamel, and metal. Lem’s career continued at St. Mary’s College in Notre Dame, Indiana as an Assistant Professor, Master Teacher, and Special Assistant to the President. During this time, he also completed his Master of Fine Arts Degree at Notre Dame in 1969.

In 1980, Lem opened the Center for Creative Orchestration of Your Reality, where he formally started the practice of combining the mind, body, and soul to aid in healing. He worked at the Memorial Hospital Center for Integrative Healing in South Bend, and in private consultation as a Spiritual Energetic Therapist. Lem was a certified Reiki master and Healing Touch Practitioner.

Lem’s devotion to Notre Dame has been evident since his graduation in 1957, when he and his classmates dedicated their lives to serving the Blessed Mother. Lem’s personal mission statement, “To open my heart and mind to the power of my Soul and consciously allow God to express through me”, guided his work, his outreach, his creativity, and his devotion to his family. Lem was a true pioneer and role model for the African American community at Notre Dame, being one of the earliest black alumni from the university.

Lem will be dearly missed by his family and friends. He is survived by his wife of 51 years, Barbara and his sons Lemuel Jr., Michael, Christopher, Dennis (Janet), Lonnie (Sandra) and Victor (Kay). His son Michael preceded him in death. He leaves 12 grandchildren, 2 great-grandchildren, nieces, nephews, and a host of loving friends.

Lem’s memorial service will be held on Saturday, January 24, 2026 with family visitation beginning at noon and the service beginning at 1:00 p.m., at Kaniewski Funeral Home, 3545 N. Bendix Drive, South Bend, IN 46628. In lieu of flowers, the family asks for donations to the Handmaids of the Most Holy Trinity Monastery Hermitage, 23089 Adams Road, South Bend, IN 46628 or Caring Cove Hospice, 3120 N. Home Street, Mishawaka, IN 46545.

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