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June's obituary

June Roberta Martin Sears arrived on March 14, 1938, in Elkins, West Virginia, the seventh of ten children born to Steven Alexander and Ruth (Riffle) Martin. She passed away on Saturday, August 30, 2025, after a brief battle with cancer.

She is survived by her husband of 58½ 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 (Bettye) 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 racquet in 2020. June was also an accomplished bowler, earning numerous awards during her time 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 6:30pm on Thursday, September 4 at Smyrna Church of Christ with visitation from 4:30 pm until 6:30 pm.

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

Alive Hospice

1718 Patterson Street

Nashville, Tennessee 37203

alivehospice.org

Smyrna Church of Christ

112 Division Street

Smyrna, Tennessee 37167

smyrnachurchofchrist.org

The family wishes to thank 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.

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Memories & condolences

I knew June from her days at Belmont Church of Christ in Dayton, Ohio. I remember her warm alto voice and the beautiful…
I knew June from her days at Belmont Church of Christ in Dayton, Ohio. I remember her warm alto voi…
I knew June from her days at Belmont Church of Christ in Dayton,…
Gene, Rod and Denise:  Gary and I are praying for your peace as your memories continue to flood your minds.  We were fr…
Gene, Rod and Denise:  Gary and I are praying for your peace as your memories continue to flood you…
Gene, Rod and Denise:  Gary and I are praying for your peace as …
So sorry to hear of your loss. I had talked to Gene to find out she had cancer, and my wife had cancer too.  They passe…
So sorry to hear of your loss. I had talked to Gene to find out she had cancer, and my wife had can…
So sorry to hear of your loss. I had talked to Gene to find out …
I will always remember the summer visits you and Grandpa Charlie made to see me on the way to and from Vegas.  You all …
I will always remember the summer visits you and Grandpa Charlie made to see me on the way to and f…
I will always remember the summer visits you and Grandpa Charlie…

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Mrs. June Sears