June Roberta Martin Sears

She is survived by her husband of 58 1/2 years, Royal Gene Sears; her son, Rod (Laura) Sears; daughter, Denise Meek; grandchildren, Hayden (Katie) Sears, Alex (Abby) Sears, Reed (Jenna) Sears, Allison (Colton) Mader, and Austin Meek; one great-grandson, Owen Sears; and siblings Richard (Bette) Martin, Steven Martin, Jim (Wilda) Martin, and Teri (Neil) Chenoweth.

She was preceded in death by her parents; siblings, Betty (Martin) Jarmow, Donald Martin, Charlie Martin, Yvonne Martin, and Bob Martin; and son-in-law, Barry Meek.

June loved God and her family above all else. Her church communities held a special place in her heart – first at Goff Street Church of Christ in Elkins, then at Belmont Church of Christ in Dayton, Ohio, and later at Smyrna Church of Christ in Tennessee. At each, she formed cherished lifelong friendships.

A passionate and talented tennis player, June’s love for the game began in her youth playing with relatives in West Virginia and continued through her adult life in Ohio and Tennessee. She played competitively for decades and was deeply respected on and off the court. Her dedication to organizing the Smyrna Tennis League was appreciated by many. She continued playing in four leagues until health concerns led her to retire her racket in 2020.

June was also an accomplished bowler, earning numerous awards during her tine in Ohio.

One of her favorite traditions was the annual Martin family reunion, held the first Saturday of August. What began in West Virginia and later moved to Ohio became a highlight of the year. The day was filled with food, softball, and music – with June as the star alto.

June’s greatest joy came from being “Mimi” to her grandchildren. Whether they were playing sports, performing in the band, or participating in numerous activities, she was one of their most enthusiastic supporters. She lovingly captured countless photos and videos and created beautiful scrapbooks to celebrate special moments. Her great-grandson, Owen Sears, held a particularly special place in her heart. His visits always brought a smile to her face, even in her final days.

We will miss June’s warm presence on this earth, but we are deeply grateful for the love and legacy she leaves behind. We look forward with hope to the day we are reunited with her once again.

A Celebration of Life will be held at 6:30 p.m. on Thursday, Sept. 4, at Smyrna Church of Christ with visitation from 4:30p.m. until 6:30 p.m.

In lieu of flowers, June asked that anyone who chooses make a contribution to:

Alive Hospice, 18 Patterson Street, ashville, Tennessee, 37203, alivehospice.org

Smyrna Church of Christ, 112 Division Street, Smyrna, Tennessee, 37167,smyrnachurchofchrist.org

The family wishes to than Jean Ross, Kay Helton, Noi Sengsouk, Jerry Burgess, the members of Smyrna Church of Christ, the team at Alive Hospice, and many friends and relatives for their support, prayers, and encouragement.