June Colleen Newburn, born May 13, 1929, passed away on November 15th, 2018, at the age of 89. She was a beloved daughter, sister, wife, mother, grandmother, and great-grandmother of Cherokee heritage (Reg.#C024054).
She worked for VCI Entertainment as a receptionist and Halloween party planner until age 83. She was an accomplished artist as evidenced by her numerous renderings of hand painted china, family member portraits, and landscapes. June, who was affectionately known as Granny June, will be dearly missed. A long-time Disney devotee, she could always be counted on for hot tea in a Mickey Mouse mug, and Tweety Bird pancakes, which she served on wonderfully impractical china plates. Granny June was a proper lady who enjoyed the finer things in life. If a grandchild asked for fruit, he or she was as likely to get a pineapple round with a maraschino cherry in the middle as an apple. She always had a Christmas tree with every Disney ornament issued, and Christmas Eve at her house was a cherished, festive event. With her flaming red hair and love of driving fast in her car, Granny June knew how to make a statement and carried herself well, even into the autumn of her life. She loved dressing up at Halloween, going out to eat at fancy restaurants, and painting.
Granny June found joy in talking to her three sons and their wives. But she especially loved her grandkids, all ten of them, and the twelve (and counting) great-grandbabies that came along the way. She grew up in Tulsa, met James Allen Newburn while she was attending Will Rogers High School, was married to him for 43 years until his death in 1992, and was able to see a long legacy spring forth from their marriage. A devoted Christian, who loved the LORD, she always looked after helping those less fortunate than her. Granny June could be often found pouring over theological books and sermons, treasuring her thoughts in her heart.
June is preceded in death by her parents, Harold M. and Wynemea Lee Bird, her husband James Allen Newburn II, and grandson Jaren Parker Newburn. She leaves behind her brother, Michael Nolan Bird (Shirley), sons James Allen Newburn III (Debbie), Dale Alvord Newburn (Pam), and Barry Clayton Newburn (Christa), grandchildren Katherine Kennamer (Clint, Dillon, Lola June, Hazel, Sullivan), Bradley Newburn (Catelyn, Kayleigh), Ryan Newburn (Susan), Devon Newburn (Noelani, Grant), Spencer Newburn (Jaren), Brittany Richardson (Joshua, Joel, Amos, Malachai, Eden, Micah), Chase Newburn, Kenjillen Newburn, and Sanonna Newburn, as well as many sweet friends and coworkers who loved her.
In lieu of flowers, the family asks that you please donate to your favorite charity in Granny June's memory, and make yourself a proper cup of tea.
No services planned at this time. Moore's Southlawn 918-663-2233