June died in her home in the early morning hours Friday February 20, 2015 steps from the place of her birth surrounded by those who loved her most. June graduated from Neosho High School in 1953 in the top 20 of her class. She attended St. John’s School of Nursing –Joplin until she left nursing school to marry Lowell Williams just prior to his Air Force deployment to serve in the Korean conflict.
Upon his return from Korea June joined Lowell stationed in Louisiana, then later Seattle. June spoke with great fondness of her time working in a charity hospital in Louisiana, which sparked her interest and passion for civil rights and equality which she carried throughout her life. Her early married days were full of happiness and adventure. She loved Seattle and loved to talk about watching out her picture window to see the ships coming in and out of Puget Sound. June attended Joplin Business College and attended Crowder College in 1963 during its first semester of operation. June was an administrative assistant and helped open Neosho’s Buddy L plant.
In addition to her secretarial duties she was the Buddy L factory nurse, acting as first responder after plant accidents. June worked at many jobs throughout her lifetime and always took pride in a job well done. She managed several retail stores selling clothing and later durable medical equipment. She prided herself on being able to look at a person’s physique and know what size and type of blue jeans would be most flattering to them.--She rarely missed. She helped people navigate the Medicare and insurance systems in the days before computers to get needed medical supplies.
Upon “retirement” she became a much sought after in home care giver. She was a kind, and gifted care giver making life comfortable for those she cared for and their families. She accomplished her goal of dying with her boots on, caring for her family until minutes before the pain of cancer took her to the hospital. June took pride in working her crossword puzzles in pen. June loved to travel either in person or vicariously, always excited to hear about another person’s adventure. Among her own travels were a trip down Route 66 from Neosho to California and back as child. June loved yard work, gardening and home making, she was a warm and gracious hostess. She helped many people get back on their feet and was a mentor to any who crossed her path and needed her help. She never hesitated to open her home or her heart to a person in need. She took joy in small things. She loved her family fiercely.
Survivors include one daughter Rebecca Williams, Neosho; Grandchildren, Genevieve Williams, Joshua Love, Marissa Love, Valerie Love, Cesar Estrada, William Wiseman, Jason Hale and Chris Hale; four great-grandchildren and one brother, Don Adams. June was preceded in death by one son, Eric Williams; one brother, Pete Adams; three sisters, Bette Willis, Carol Willis and Laureva Lankford. The body has been taken for cremation. A Celebration of Life Visitation will be held at June's home (11186 Mulberry Rd, Neosho, MO) February 28, 2015 starting at 4 pm.
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