June Whitfield

June Whitfield, 88 of Athens, passed away on Saturday, July 9th, 2022, at Limestone Health Facility. Mrs. Whitfield was born on May 17th, 1934, to Fred Robertson and Irene Clinard. Mrs. Whitfield is survived by her son Gary Rodell Thacker (Venida Louise (Rudy)); sisters Alma Kieff Lane, Betty Turner, Ann Russell, and Mary Bassham; and lots of nieces and nephews. Preceded in death by her parents; husband Col. Marcus Whitfield; brothers Villard Robertson, Fred Robertson Jr., Doug Robertson, J.C Robertson, Eardie Robertson; sisters Helen Brown, Joan Kelley. Graveside services for Mrs. Whitfield will be Thursday, July 14th, 2022, at 1:00pm at Mountain View Cemetery, Marietta Georgia, with Mike Kelley officiating. Visitation will be Wednesday, July 13th, 2022, from 5:00-8:00pm at Limestone Chapel Funeral Home. June was the second oldest daughter in her family. She was of the Baptist faith. Even as a young girl, she knew she wanted to be a schoolteacher, wife, and mother. Her love for school, reading books, and being around her family and fellow students helped discipline her for what was to come in life. June graduated high school from West Limestone in 1952, and stated college at Florence State (U.N.A.) un the fall of 1952. She was crowned Miss Maid of Cotton, because of her beautiful smile and out-going personality, in Limestone County in the spring of 1953. In the fall of 1953, she married her high school sweetheart, Rodell Thacker. The following year, 1954, she finished her degree in Education at Athens State College. Rodell and June became proud parents of their one and only son, Gary Rodell Thacker, in 1955. Gary started Bass fishing at age 5 years old. Gary’s Mother, as she liked to be called, was his biggest supporter and encourager. June’s ambition, goals, and hard work and love of people to teach made her successful. June touched many students in her 35 year career, as a teacher in the Limestone County School district. She began teaching typing and shorthand at West Limestone in 1966. Later, June taught 5th grade social studies at Tanner Elementary School. She then transferred to Limestone Vocational School (Tech), where she taught typing, computers, and business education. Her students praised her for making school exciting, fun, and helpful to prepare them for life. At all three locations, she was voted best teacher, given awards from her students for being a cheerleader sponsor, donating her time and resources to chaperone events and functions. June wanted to further her education. So she went back to college and got her Master’s in business before she retired many years later. She met and married Col. Marc Whitfield. They lived a fulfilling life of work and traveling all over the world. They both were collectors of books, antiques, paintings, tools, and other they would pick up thrifting. They lived at Western Hills, Madison, AL. They later purchased a 40 acre farm near Ardmore, AL. June was a talented singer and pianist. Her beautiful voice and laughter, not to mention her talking all the time, will always be remembered. June’s love for Jesus, her son, husband, family, and all her students she said made her life full and meaningful. She had written on her headstone the words that said it all for her, “Alabama School Teacher.” No doubt about it, June left her legacy in the hearts of many students and loved ones. In lieu of flowers, the family asks that donations be made to your favorite charity.

June Whitfield

May 17, 1934 - July 9, 2022