Mother's Day Tribute: Shirley Joyner

Happy Mother’s Day to everyone from Doctor Detroit!

Detroit Love is special, but nothing compares to a mother’s love. This edition of “Doctor Detroit Says” is dedicated to all mothers, both biological and surrogate, who work hard to provide for and raise their children, while also nourishing, encouraging, and loving them. This includes those special women who become a mom to everyone they meet.

When I think of a Detroit mother, so many great examples come to mind (namely, my own mother). But for this, I want to recognize someone whom I recently met and admire. She has quickly become one of many sheroes that I look up to…Shirley Joyner.

If you recognize Mother Shirley’s name, it could be for many reasons. Some know her as their neighborhood or surrogate mother. Others remember her as the mentor who supported and guided them as young police officers in the Detroit Police Department, where she retired as a sergeant after 34 years of dedicated service in 2008.

I had the pleasure of meeting and interviewing Ms. Joyner last year, and I was truly impressed. She was a trailblazer in the Detroit Police Department, becoming one of the first women assigned to uniform and patrol duties in 1974. While that achievement is remarkable, it does not fully define her. She worked in a demanding and stressful job as a police officer, all while raising wonderful children.

Over the years, this trailblazer has influenced, encouraged, supported, and loved countless “children.” She did this both in her personal life and while in uniform. If you need proof, just search her name online. On a Detroit Police Department Facebook post from February 25th, there are over 650 likes, 26 shares, and 124 comments. Many of these comments show what kind of person she is. For example:

“When I arrived at the 7th pct from the academy she was so nice to me, showed me around very informed.”

“It was an honor to have worked with an awesome Boss, I learned that the community is the police and the police is the community that serves.”

“I was one of the first Shirley ever worked the street with. A hard worker, determined to do a great job. She was my partner for years after”

“Her spirit was so kind and loving”

“One of my many mentors, great woman she taught me so much about community policing/community relations. I honor her service. She certainly took care of the Eastside of Detroit”

“Congratulations on paving the way for the rest of us, males and females”

“Outstanding, women who love helping the youth of the city. As one of her best I am so proud to have known her”

“Congratulations, Sgt.! Love me some you! Adopt-A-Cop 7th precinct! One Love and Much Respect!

“Shirley is an awesome spirit she was phenomenal with the Community and we spent years together with eastside Falcons Parent Club She was the glue the real deal an she adored her daughters an all the children she encountered I take a bow to her greatness…”

These are just a few of the comments. Let’s all try to be a little more like Shirley Joyner: a giver, a community builder, and an amazing mother.