June B Turner

Frankie June Bailey Turner passed peacefully on the evening of May 18, 2021 in her home surrounded by her doting family and loved ones. June was born June 20, 1928 in Tom Nolan, Mississippi to Frank and Lucy Bailey, the third of six girls: Caroline, Virginia, June, Nell, Ruth, and Nancy. June grew up best friends with her first cousin Martha Bailey Atkins and ultimately both married brothers, with Martha marrying Will Atkins and June marrying Gene Atkins. In 1946, June gave birth to Richard Eugene Atkins. Tragically in 1952, June's husband Gene was electrocuted while servicing power lines for Memphis Light, Gas and Water. At the same time, on the next pole down, Mr. Ira Bearl Turner Sr, Gene's mentor, was attempting to quickly descend the pole he was on. Tragically, he slipped and fell and died instantly. Gene spent approximately a week in the hospital before being sent home. He ultimately succumbed to his injuries shortly thereafter. As a testament to June's heart and love of God, she was so concerned for Ira Bearl Sr's family that she began to spend time comforting his widow. It was during this time she would meet Ira Bearl Turner Jr. The two would begin a courtship and would eventually marry in 1954. Over the next few years, they would have three girls of their own: Kimberly Gail, Elisabeth Gwynne, and Leigh Anne. They would continue to live in Memphis while Ira worked as a lineman for Memphis Light, Gas and Water. Ira was from south Alabama and the family would vacation during summers in Orange Beach. When Ira retired from Memphis Light, Gas and Water, the family moved from Memphis to Bon Secour. June would go to work for South Baldwin Hospital, then eventually Carson and King on the Bon Secour River. Being lifelong Christians, they would join Friendship Baptist Church where she would teach Sunday School classes and Ira would drive the church bus to pick up members of the congregation. The two would spend their retirement years hosting their ever-expanding family and their home was open to the increasingly growing number of grandkids during the summers. Many, many happy memories exist from this time. In fact, some of the consensus favorite memories are of June singing and humming her favorite hymns and standards. I personally loved to hear her sing Cool Water, which I would often hear her singing from the kitchen, while she prepared snacks or cleaned dishes. June also loved Wheel of Fortune, Jeopardy, Mama's Family, Hee-Haw, and Golden Girls and we all have very vivid memories of sitting and watching these shows with her in the evenings, listening to her sweet chuckle fill the air. June was the epitome of a southern, Christian woman, but would on occasion get so frustrated watching game show contestants that the harshest words her sweet heart could muster were "horsefeathers!" or the occasional "you dummy!" Now firmly into retirement, June and Ira would raise their granddaughter Rachel as their own, almost from birth. They would eventually move from Bon Secour to Foley and continue to study the word at First Baptist Church of Foley, where she would continue to be a faithful servant, Sunday School teacher, and congregation member. June was preceded in death by her loving husband Ira on April 27, 2001. June would spend her final years continuing to host her expansive family. She was a savant with dates and you could rest assured that you were going to get a call every year wishing you a happy birthday. She loved trekking back to north Mississippi every Memorial Day weekend for the annual family reunion, where she would cook, help host, and donate selflessly for the upkeep of the family cemetery. June was devastated when her health began to impede her ability to teach Sunday School, but she continued to faithfully study His word and had a seemingly never-ending supply of scripture to quote. Some of her favorite bible verses were...all of them! Every last one. She loved Jesus and was the most exemplary personification of His love you may ever find. She truly was pure of heart and soul. Over the past few days, I have heard it said that she was waived to the front of St Peter's line at the Pearly Gates and is considered a VIP entering heaven. She was the matriarch of this family, an icon, and an example of His love, grace, and beauty. June was preceded in death by her youngest daughter Leigh Anne. She is survived by three children, Richard Eugene Atkins, Kimberly Gail Williams, and Elisabeth Gwynne Presley(husband Wayne); grandchildren, Michael Presley(wife Amy), Amanda Sowell(husband Adam), Matthew Presley(wife Holly), Richard Lay(wife Carmelina), Lindsey Williams, Ricki Jean Hardin(husband Jason), Amber Dungan(husband Chris), Rachel Hart(husband Brooks), Chance Boyington, Christian Presley(wife Taylor), Peyton Atkins, Jill Boyington, and Brett Atkins; 17 great grandchildren, and seven great, great grandchildren. Grandmother June, you were a lighthouse amongst a choppy coast of rocks and shore. You are so loved and will be missed. In lieu of flowers, the family asks that you please make a donation in June's name to First Baptist Church of Foley.

June B Turner

June 20, 1928 - May 18, 2021

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June B Turner

June 20, 1928 - May 18, 2021

What We Do

Flowers & Gifts

Plan Ahead

About Us

Resources

Obituaries

Grief & Healing

Contact Information

Obituary Notification