Dr. Thomas Edward Joiner

Thomas E. Joiner, MD, of Brandon, Mississippi, was called into the arms of our loving God on Tuesday, July 8, 2025. Surrounded by his loving family, Tom’s courageous battle with cancer came to an end.

Tom was born December 1, 1954, in Memphis, Tennessee, to Charles Lester Joiner and Mary Dennis Grisham Joiner. At the time of his birth, his family lived in Crawfordsville, Arkansas, before moving to Greenwood, Mississippi, where Tom spent most of his childhood years. He was raised by parents who instilled the values of hard work and devotion to family. These values helped define Tom’s life and career.

From an early age, Tom knew he wanted to be a doctor, and he never wavered from that dream. After finishing his undergraduate studies at Ole Miss, Tom was accepted to the University of Mississippi School of Medicine, where he graduated in 1982 and later completed a residency in Family Medicine. For more than 30 years, Tom cared for generations of families throughout the South Jackson area and at his private practice on Raymond Road, where he earned a reputation as a dedicated, compassionate, and wise physician.

Throughout his career, Tom served in many leadership roles. His leadership and mentorship inspired colleagues, trainees, and family to pursue opportunities to improve the practice of medicine and advocate for quality patient care. Most notably, his niece, Dr. Jennifer Bryan, followed in his footsteps, becoming a Family Medicine physician in Rankin County and now serving as President of the Mississippi State Medical Association – a role Tom held from 2011-2012.

Until his recent illness, Tom served as Chief Medical Officer at Molina Healthcare of Mississippi, President and Chairman of the Mississippi Physician Care Network Board of Directors and served on the Mississippi State Board of Medical Licensure.

Tom married the love of his life, Debbie, in 2002. Their much-too-short life together brought him the joy of a loving family, children, and grandchildren – whom he adored. He was preceded in death by his parents and his sister-in-law Marsha Joiner. He is survived by his wife Debbie; his children, Jared Harper, Melissa Sandroni (Lucas) and Kerri Harper; and five grandchildren. He is also survived by his siblings Charles (Charlie) Joiner Jr., Samuel (Dennis) Joiner, Mary Maude Emmett (Davey), and many nieces and nephews.

With a most appreciative heart, the family would like to recognize Dr. Tammy Young and the staff at Jackson Oncology for their unwavering kindness and exceptional care; Dr. Wade Christopher at the University of Mississippi Medical Center for his compassion and skilled guidance throughout Tom’s journey; and longtime family friend Dr. Greg Fiser for his dedicated service, support, and friendship.

A public visitation will be held at Ott & Lee Funeral Home in Brandon on Saturday, July 12 from 12:30–2 p.m. A service will follow at 2:00 p.m. in the funeral home chapel, officiated by Tom’s nephew, Reverend John Joiner. Following the service, Tom will be laid to rest at Crestview Memorial Gardens in Brandon. In lieu of flowers, the family requests that support be directed to the Dr. Thomas E. Joiner Memorial Fund at the University of Mississippi Medical Center, to honor his legacy and support future medical students called to serve others.