Dr. Joseph Worth Myers

Kernersville - Dr. Joseph Worth Myers, 86, passed away on Friday, November 17, 2023, surrounded by his loving family. He’s perfect now, no pain, at peace, no more Alzheimer’s and the severe effects of a stroke. Most important, he’s reunited with Dorcas, the love of his life for 63 years and the Lord he so faithfully served. He was born on March 9, 1937, in Wilkes County, NC to the late Edwin and Leila Myers. He had very humble beginnings and he always stayed that way. He was a moonshine runner who was persuaded by his girlfriend (later his wife) to go to church and the rest is history. Moonshiner turned preacher. Joe started and ran a rescue mission for 3 years, working with the less fortunate and addicted. He did this while working a full-time job and going to Bible College. That mission is still in existence today. In 1962, he took his first and only church, Kerwin Baptist Church, which he pastored for 50 years. He was known for his unorthodox ways of bringing people in like motorcycle jumps, skydivers, tent revivals and the like. He was a veteran of the US Navy, a private pilot and even turned wrenches on some early NASCAR motors. Through it all he remained humble; he was never for the accolades. His motto “make much of Jesus and he'll make much of you!" He was a kind, loving, compassionate long-suffering man, and he'll be greatly missed. He loved unconditionally.

The Myers family wishes to extend our heartfelt thanks and gratitude to Preacher Daniel, Deacons, Church Staff, Membership and friends in the community for all the love, prayers and support. We appreciate Preacher Daniel and how he has led this church forward for Christ, while continuing to honor it’s retired Pastor.

Joe provided a wonderful heritage for his family, the church and this community. If you knew him, you knew a true man of God, a patriot and the most unselfish, compassionate person you could ever meet this side of Heaven.

In addition to his parents, he was preceded in death by his loving wife, Dorcas Myers.

Left to cherish his memory are his son, Kevin Myers and wife, Anne; daughter, Joanna Johnson and husband, Ricky; seven grandchildren, Kevin, Jr., Stacy, Kristin, Charles, Caroline, David, and Anna; eight great grandchildren, Jayden, Bradley, Brett, Aaron, Conor, Josie, Kaytlnn, and Jackson.

A funeral service will be held 2 pm, Tuesday, November 21, 2023, at Kerwin Baptist Church with Pastor Daniel Hawtree and Dr. Tim Lee officiating. Burial will follow in the church cemetery. Joe will be able to be viewed from 10-1:45 pm at the church prior to the service.  The family will receive friends following the burial in the church auditorium.

In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to Kerwin Baptist Church 4520 Old Hollow Rd, Kernersville, NC 27284. Hayworth-Miller Kernersville Chapel is assisting the family.

We wish to extend our deepest gratitude to Joe’s medical team: Drs Sherry Ryter-Brown, Dr. Donald Rose & Dr. John Morris for outstanding care, Trellis Palliative and Hospice Care. Our amazing team, affectionately known as TEAM JOE that helped us this past year: Sarah Carter, Chris & Mary Fulp, Michelle Medlin, Tim & Christy Richardson, Kim Yarborough, Bonnie Tuttle-Bonet, and Jackie Allred (who was Joe’s personal dessert, chicken salad and soup chef).