June Leclair Gross passed away peacefully on July 20, 2026 at age 77. June is survived by her five children, Ben Jr., Julie, David, Cristi, and Kelly; their spouses, Marcus and Kelly; nine grandchildren; one great-grandchild; six siblings; and many nieces and nephews who loved her dearly.

As the fourth of fourteen children, June learned from an early age how to care for others. She became a “mama” to many while she was still a child herself, developing the nurturing spirit that would define her life. As a teenager, she began working to help support her family by ironing clothes for local families and training to become a dental assistant.

June’s young adult years were filled with a love for life. She participated in water skiing shows, traveled to California along Route 66, and spent time living in Myrtle Beach. Later, she dedicated herself to raising her five children while building a reputation as a hardworking and beloved waitress at Ryan’s Steakhouse. She had a special talent for balancing full plates from her fingertips all the way up to her shoulder. In her 40s, June returned to school at The Medical College of Georgia and became a dental hygienist. She embraced adventure throughout her life, taking her children on unforgettable trips to places like New York City and Alaska, often with an Alabama cassette tape playing in the background.

June found joy in the simple things: gardening, writing anecdotes, painting, playing guitar and piano, singing, watching Jeopardy and CNN, playing the lottery, making homemade pickles, and enjoying a good salad. More than anything, she treasured the love she shared with her family. Cards and handwritten notes from her children and grandchildren were among her most cherished gifts.

Above all else, June’s life was rooted in her deep and unwavering faith in God. Her faith guided the way she loved and cared for others. She trusted in God through life’s joys and challenges and found comfort in knowing that her earthly journey was only part of a greater story.

June was a loving mother, a devoted Gramma, and a woman whose determination, strength, and humor touched many lives. She will be deeply missed and forever remembered by all who had the privilege of knowing her.

A funeral will be held at the historic Magnolia Cemetery on Saturday, August 15 at 11:00 am, followed by a Celebration of Life at “The Starch Room” at Enterprise Mill. In lieu of flowers, donations can be made to June’s favorite charity, St. Jude’s Children’s Hospital. stjude.org/donate