June Tarbor Perkins
June Tabor Perkins departed this life January 31, 2024 in the care of Highland Ridge Nursing and Rehab. Born in Giles County at Walkers Creek on September 1, 1933 she was a daughter of the late Meddie and Margie Tabor.
June had a great love for Giles County. She attended Pearisburg High School and was a fan of the Red Devils during the late 40s and 50s. She married Amos Perkins in May of 1950. They were together for 62 years until his death on February 29, 2012. A devoted mother and an active member of the Castle Rock Baptist Church, June's faith was a cornerstone of her existence. During her over 35 years of membership, she served as a teacher, youth leader, WMU Director, choir member and did other chores as needed.
She lived a life of service, dedicating over 30 years as a hospice volunteer, where she provided comfort and care to those at the end of their life's journey. She was most proud of the training she had in 1989 under the direction of Dea Gizzie. Her compassion and warmth were a solace to many families during their most challenging times.
June also shared her nurturing spirit with the children of Giles County as a cafeteria worker under the direction of Macy McClaugherty at Macy McClaugherty Elementary School for 6-8 years. She would later substitute at Giles High School for several years. Finally, she was a school bus driver for 28 years, making good and sweet memories. Her reassuring smile was the first greeting many young ones received at the start of their school day, and her gentle demeanor made her a favorite among her passengers.
She and her husband, Amos enjoyed traveling after their children left home, seeing most of the United States and Canada, often being joined by special cousins, Mildred and Ralph Stephens. In her senior years, she would be joined by Gail Vaught in her travels to many special places, including The Barter Theater.
Her interests were a reflection of her altruistic nature. June found joy in the simple acts of caring for her family and engaging with her community. Her dedication to service was unwavering, and her legacy is one of selfless love and enduring kindness. As the poet Emily Dickinson once said, "If I can stop one heart from breaking, I shall not live in vain." June lived by these words, striving to ease the burdens of others and imparting a sense of hope and resilience that will continue to inspire.
In addition to her parents, June is preceded in death by her husband, Amos Perkins; sisters, Freda Tabor Williams, Carolyn Shumate, and Jo Ann Tabor; brother, Howard Tabor; brothers-in-law, David Shumate, Roger Williams, and John Mason; and a nephew, Chuckie Shumate.
Left to cherish her memory are her children, Wayne Perkins and his wife Linda Martin, and David Perkins and his wife, Barbara Sexton Perkins; grandchildren, Derek Perkins, Kevin Perkins, and Brandon Sexton and his wife, Jessica Dowdy; a great-grandson, Thomas David Sexton; a special sister-in-law, Donna Tabor; nieces and nephews, Laura Tabor, Megan Tabor, Sandra Williams, Debbie Hardgrave, Margie Williams, Bobby Williams, Randy Williams, Tammy Shumate Mike Shumate, Donna Mason, Jill Dowdry, Mike Mason, and several great-nieces and nephews.
There will be a funeral service conducted on Friday, February 2, 2024 at 1:00 PM in Castle Rock Baptist Church in Pembroke, Virginia with Pastor Gary Poff officiating. Funeral services will conclude in the Mountain View-Anderson Cemetery. The family will receive friends in a time of visitation on Friday, February 2, 2024 from 12:00 PM until 1:00 PM in Castle Rock Baptist Church. In lieu of flowers, it was June’s request that memorial contributions be made to Mountain View Cemetery Fund at National Bank of Blacksburg (611 Snidow St #3489 Pembroke, VA 24136). A guestbook is available to send condolences to the family by visiting www.kendallfuneralhome.com. The staff of Kendall Funeral Home is honored to serve the Perkins family.
