June Frances Rector Queen

June Frances Rector Queen, born February 1, 1944, in Jacksonville, Florida, passed away peacefully on March 11, 2026, at the Care Partners Solace Center in Asheville. A compassionate and dedicated nurse, June began her career after graduating from Grady Memorial Hospital School of Nursing in Atlanta. She cared for patients at St. Vincent’s Hospital in Jacksonville before moving to North Carolina, where she worked alongside Dr. Ellis at Marion General Hospital and later served as Director of Services for McDowell, Polk, and Rutherford Counties. Her lifelong commitment to healthcare touched countless lives through her skill, kindness, and quiet strength.

June met the love of her life, James Earl Queen, on the beaches of Jacksonville while he served at Naval Station Mayport. They shared 53 years of marriage before his passing. A faithful member of Hankins Baptist Church for more than 50 years, she found deep joy in its fellowship. Known affectionately as Mimi, she created countless cherished memories with her grandchildren, Cooper and Stella, as well as her nieces, nephews, and many family friends. She welcomed loved ones into her home with warmth and grace, gathering them around her pool amid the beauty of her carefully tended gardens and flowers. In every way, she was a true lady.

An avid traveler from a young age, June inherited her love of trains from her father, Roland William Rector, who served as Yard Master at Jacksonville Terminal. She visited all 50 states and traveled the full span of Amtrak rail across North America. She also enjoyed memorable journeys abroad with her daughters, nieces, nephew, and sister, embracing each adventure with curiosity and delight.

June is survived by her daughters, Katherine Anne (Queen) Dribbon and her husband David, and Chrissy (Queen) Peek; her sister, Helyn Birge and her husband John; her brother, Billy Rector and his wife Pam; and her beloved grandchildren, Cooper Reed Jackson and Stella June Peek. She was preceded in death by her husband, James Earl Queen, and her parents, Roland William Rector and Mary Catherine Barnhardt Rector.